BEIJING (April 6, 2004) – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC), which will support technical assistance training under the Wright Brothers Partnership – U.S./China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP).  The signing took place during the U.S.-China Aviation Symposium that USTDA is sponsoring in Beijing through April 7, 2004.

USTDA Director Thelma J. Askey signed the MOU expressing the intention of USTDA to support the ACP.  CAAC Vice Minister Li Jun signed on behalf of the CAAC.  The signing ceremony was attended by CAAC Minister Yang Yuanyuan; Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Jeffrey N. Shane, U.S. Congressman Roger F. Wicker; U.S. Congressman James L. Oberstar; Mr. David Wang, President of Boeing-China; and Mr. Graham Atkinson, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Alliances for United Airlines.

As a member of the World Trade Organization, China’s overall trade volume is projected to increase greatly and the aviation sector is expected to play a vital role in support of the U.S.-China trade relationship.  The ACP is designed to help the CAAC meet the increased demand for aviation services in China.  Specifically, the ACP will provide training for Chinese aviation professionals, both in China and in the United States.  It will also promote cooperation between the U.S. and Chinese industries by helping Chinese aviation experts to develop and operate safe and efficient aviation infrastructure.

The founding members of the ACP include Boeing, General Electric, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Parker, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, United Airlines, UPS, and United Technologies.  Later today, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Marion C. Blakey will address the importance of the ACP in continuing to foster close relationships between the United States and China in the aviation sector through a pre-recorded video presentation. 

- 30 -

Back to Press Releases