Visiting US Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez said here Wednesday that the United States draws "significant benefits" from its commerce with China.

US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez gestures as he delivers a speech in Beijing March 29, 2006. Gutierrez held talks on Tuesday with Chinese officials to press for more access to China's markets. [Reuters]

Addressing a full house of business people, officials and reporters at China World Hotel, Gutierrez said that US consumers gain "additional choices" and many American companies are operating profitably in China.

Citing the latest survey on business climate conducted by AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce), Gutierrez said that two thirds of the responding companies have expanded the range of products and services they offer in China.

"America also benefited from trade with China," he said, "US exports to China grew by 20 percent last year, which built on 22 percent growth from the year before."

Gutierrez arrived in the southwestern municipality of Chongqing on Monday to start his China tour, which focuses on trade, currency, intellectual property rights and other economic issues between the two countries.

He held a 100-minute meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi on Tuesday and held talks with his Chinese counterpart Bo Xilai earlier on the day. He will meet with other Chinese officials as well.