The annual trade talks between the United States and China have led to "great outcome," and will benefit both countries, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said on Wednesday.

"The work that we have done today will benefit both China and the United States," Locke said at a press conference after conclusion of the 21st Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) meeting in Washington, D.C..

"We have agreed on a variety of measures that will make American businesses more competitive in China and throughout the global marketplace, obviously that means more jobs for the people of America and a great variety of world-class products and services available to the people of China," he said.

The JCCT, a mechanism established in 1983, has served as an important platform for both countries to promote trade and address issues of mutual concern.

During the meeting, the two countries signed a host of economic cooperation documents in a variety of areas such as investment promotion, agriculture, examination, inspection and quarantine, energy, water conservancy and trade statistics.

"The JCCT has produced tangible and positive results," said U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk at the press conference. "We are committed to continuing our work...to help sustain this growing and dynamic relationship between the United States and China."

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressed appreciation for China's decision to lift the avian influenza ban on two U.S. states.

"I look forward to continued dialogue and discussion on issues of common interest," he said. "These are positive and significant steps forward in a long-standing relationship."