BUSINESSWEEK ONLINE : NOVEMBER 29, 1999 ISSUE
INTERNATIONAL -- ASIAN COVER STORY

Worth the Wait?


The Clinton Administration walked away from a WTO deal with China in April, holding out for better terms. Did the U.S. do better in the final agreement?

TELECOM:

APRIL
China allows 51% foreign investment in telecom.

NOVEMBER
Foreign companies can own up to 49% of telecom outfits, 50% after two years.


INTERNET:

APRIL
Not addressed.

NOVEMBER
Foreigners may invest in minority shares of Internet content providers.


AGRICULTURE:

APRIL
Tariff will be cut to an average of 17% by 2004. No export subsidies.

NOVEMBER
Tariffs will be cut to 14.5% on average. No export subsidies.


DISTRIBUTION:

APRIL
Distribution rights phased in over three years.

NOVEMBER
Same.


INDUSTRIAL TARIFFS:

APRIL
Tariff rates reduced from 24.6% to 9.44% by 2005. Tariffs on computers, telecommunications gear cut to zero. Autos to 25% by 2005.

NOVEMBER
Autos to 25% by 2006.


BANKING:

APRIL
Incomplete. 100% foreign ownership after 2005. Phases out geographic restrictions.

NOVEMBER
100% foreign ownership after 2005. Geographic restrictions phased out. U.S. firms can provide auto financing.


ENTERTAINMENT:

APRIL
49% ownership in distribution of recordings, majority ownership for cinemas. 40 foreign films a year, 50 after two years.

NOVEMBER
50% foreign participation in distribution profits for 20 films a year.



TRAVEL & TOURISM:

APRIL
Full range of services allowed, 100% ownership of hotels after three years.

NOVEMBER
Same.


SAFEGUARDS:

APRIL
Unresolved.

NOVEMBER
Surges in imports can be met with temporary, higher tariffs in the U.S. for 12 years. Stringent antidumping regulations meant for nonmarket economies will continue to apply for 15 years.



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