US asked to drop barriers

SALT LAKE CITY - The top official from one of China's most affluent provinces asked the United States to pull down trade barriers against Chinese high-tech companies during the first forum between US governors and Chinese provincial leaders.

Zhao Hongzhu, Party secretary of Zhejiang province who led the Chinese delegation of officials, also called for the establishment of free trade and a more open investment environment on Friday after a flurry of deals were signed this week between leaders from both sides at the China-US Governors Forum.

On Thursday, at least 20 deals were inked between local governments of China and the US.