Trade group expands network in US capital

A Chinese organization dedicated to promoting international trade and investment between China and foreign businesses expanded what it called its "circle of friends" in Washington on Tuesday, a move that a United States trade group sees as a positive sign for bilateral trade.

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, founded in 1952, works to strengthen the bonds between Chinese and foreign businesses and advances international economic and trade exchanges.

The organization, which opened an office in Maryland in 1988, moved to a new location in the US capital on Tuesday, sharing the same building with the US Chamber of Commerce. Around 130 business representatives from about 60 US companies and 40 Chinese companies attended a reception held to mark the opening of the office.