war - US loses US$ 30bn in on visa rules - Amcham

A report by the American Chamber of Commerce in China estimates that the stringent visa rules have cost the country US$ 30bn over the past two years, report both the Economic Times in India and Simon World, both based on an article in the unlinkable South China Morning Post. The cost relate both to lost business opportunities and Chinese students who did not go to the US.
"A report by the American Chamber of Commerce in China...says members have seen a big drop in exports to the mainland because Chinese officials and customers do not want to travel to the US. The report blames (this) on an over-stringent visa application process that include mandatory fingerprinting and a lengthy approval period.
"...a survey commissioned by eight American businesses estimated more than US$30 billion had been lost between July 2002 and March 2004 because of visa delays and denials.
"US visa approvals for mainland travellers last year were down nearly 40% from the 2001 peak. There were 25% fewer applicants."