US Secretary of Commerce Donald Louis Evans and US Secretary of Labor Elaine Lan Chao said in Beijing Thursday their visit to China was fruitful.

Evans witnessed three Sino-US commercial agreement signing ceremonies during his visit. He said US-Sino economic relations were very important in the world and the US government was willing to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Chao signed four agreements during her trip to enhance cooperation in raising the living standard and working conditions for employees. She also announced the US would donate US$3.5 million to China to help combat AIDS through workplace education program.

She hoped through exchanging information, the two sides can raise living standards for workers, foster safe working environment for workers, and protect workers' rights in accordance with relevant international labor principles while respecting the national laws of both the United States and China.

At the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Evans visited China from June 19 to 24. At the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Chao visited China from June 21 to 24.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2004)