china – grants, loans and other incentives

Request for Consultations by the United States

            The following communication, dated 19 December 2008, from the delegation of the United States to the delegation of China and to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.4 of the DSU.

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            My authorities have instructed me to request consultations with the Government of the People's Republic of China pursuant to Articles 1 and 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, Article XXII:1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 ("GATT 1994"), Articles 4 and 30 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures ("SCM Agreement"), and Article 19 of the Agreement on Agriculture, with regard to certain measures offering grants, loans, and other incentives to enterprises in China.  As required by Article 4.2 of the SCM Agreement, a Statement of Available Evidence is attached to this request for consultations.

A.        These grants, loans, and other incentives are reflected in the following measures, as well as any amendments or any related or implementing measures:

I.          The instruments below, which relate to the China World Top Brand Program: