US farm firms urge easing of barriers to investment

United States-based agriculture companies are seeking increased cooperation with China and urging further loosening of investment restrictions and trade barriers, especially in biotechnology, that will help secure safe, affordable food for Chinese consumers, said a report from the American Chamber of Commerce in China.

At the release of the Policy Spotlight on Agriculture report on Wednesday, James Zimmerman, chairman of AmCham China, applauded continued cooperation between US companies and China but said: "There is so much more that can be achieved by increased engagement between companies and government in areas such as seed research, more efficient distribution and freer trade."

The report said that removing restrictions on foreign investment in agriculture and agriculture technology would help unleash domestic productivity potential that enhances food security but also encourages innovation by local companies.