GENEVA — Chinese negotiators and members of the World Trade Organization met Tuesday in a new effort to overcome final obstacles to China's WTO membership.
"I think the momentum is there," China's lead negotiator Long Yongtu told reporters as he entered the meeting. China was "not far" from completing the deal, he added.
The body's working party dealing with the Chinese membership bid meets from Tuesday to Thursday, with a formal meeting set for Friday. China has been trying for more than 14 years to join the body that sets global rules for international trade.
Members hoped for progress on some issues that still divide China and the WTO's 140 members, WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell said.
The issues include China's use of agricultural and industrial subsidies, the right of foreign services companies to trade in China, and how to determine whether Chinese goods are being sold below market price.
"It would be a surprise if this is the breakthrough meeting which brings China in to the WTO," Rockwell added.