U.S. experts and business leaders have responded favorably to the new developments achieved during the three-day 25th Session of China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) which was concluded in Chicago on Thursday.

"The two countries need such forums because their levels of trade and investment have increased dramatically during the past two decades," said David Hale, a Chicago-based economist and chairman of David Hale Global Economics.

He said that the JCCT dialogue "will remain a critical pillar of the U.S.-China relationship for many years to come."

Louis Longo with Partner Global Services Practice at Plante Moran, a consulting company, said,"Openness and transparent legal systems between the U.S. and China will facilitate even greater trade between these nations", referring to the new initiative for China to allow foreign legal advisors to observe meetings between litigants and anti-monopoly enforcement agencies.

"As U.S. attorneys are able to be in court and observe proceedings, they will be better able to partner with their local Chinese colleagues to serve the best interests of both U.S. and Chinese parties. This is a major step toward greater professional cooperation," he added.

"This move will improve the transparency of China's legal system, which in turn, will improve communication and trade," said Dennis H. Chookaszian, retired Chairman and Chief Eexecutive Officer of the CNA, a Chicago-based insurance company.

Another initiative reached at the JCCT session is to allow food safety inspectors from each country to conduct inspections in the other.

"Food security and variety is an increasingly critical part of the Sino-U.S. relationship," Longo said.

He said that as major food producers, U.S. food companies are anxious to provide their products to the large and wealthier Chinese consumers. Similarly, China needs to make sure that the food provided to its citizens is nutritious and is of safe quality.

Elaine Leavenworth, senior vice president for external affairs at Abbott Laboratories, said that "to ensure consistent quality of products around the world, it's critical to have unified and science-based international food standards."

Leavenworth said that the private sector is in a unique position to share best practices and facilitate capacity building, which can lead to a predictable regulatory environment.

Leavenworth said she encourages more members of the industry "to work together to deliver on the promise of high quality and nutritious products for Chinese consumers."

Scott Markman, president of the Monagram Group in Chicago, expressed delight in Chicago having the honor of hosting this year's forum. He said it is befitting that JCCT's conference this year is more business oriented in the city that is a hub of transportation, manufacturing, finance and education.

"The list of issues addressed at the conference is grandiose," he said, "The momentum is on, and is heading toward the right direction."

Established in 1983, the annual session of the JCCT is now a platform for China and the U.S. to address bilateral trade and investment issues and promote trade opportunities. Endi

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