FACTBOX - Agreements at China-U.S. strategic economic talks
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and China wrapped up two days of talks on Wednesday under a so-called "strategic economic dialogue" set up two years ago to ease tensions over trade and economic issues.
They reported the following results.
INVESTMENT TREATY NEGOTIATIONS:
* The two countries will begin to negotiate a bilateral investment treaty that promises to open and provide for transparent investment flows into each country.
* The United States said it will press for free capital transfers and full legal protections for investors.
* Several rounds of negotiations will take place before the next SED meeting, but timeline depends on "quality" of the agreement.
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT COOPERATION:
* The countries signed a 10-year "framework" agreement that builds on a pact announced in December by identifying five goals -- clean and efficient electric power, clean water, clean air, clean and efficient transportation, and conservation of forests and wetlands.
* The framework agreement includes cooperation on alternative fuels, including next-generation cellulosic biofuels and alternative power generation sources, as well as clean coal technology. Continued...
Pound picking up strength
Sterling will gradually strengthen against the dollar over the next 12 months but is unlikely to move much, a Reuters poll shows. Full Article | Related Story

UK
US