Seattle, Washington - (March 20, 2000) In an effort to advance President Bill Clinton's "Safer Skies Initiative" and expand U.S. commercial opportunities, the U.S. government is sponsoring the Central European Air Transport Symposium, which begins Tuesday morning, March 22nd, at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.

Rodney Slater, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the discourse on a range of topics including the improvement of air traffic control systems, avionics, fleet expansion for national airlines and the expansion of airport facilities in Central Europe.

Presented by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) and co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Symposium is providing a forum for representatives from U.S. companies, Ministers and other high-level government officials from the United States, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and the Republic of Slovenia to discuss major policy and commercial issues.

"This event offers a unique opportunity for U.S. companies to develop enduring business relationships in the competitive and expanding Central European markets," said TDA Director J. Joseph Grandmaison.

In addition to substantive discussions, the foreign delegations are visiting local installations to view some of the technological advantages offered by U.S. industry, including the Boeing 777 production facility, the Seattle Air Route Traffic Control Center and Sea Tac Airport.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is an independent federal agency that assists in the creation of jobs for Americans by helping U.S. companies pursue overseas business opportunities. TDA provides American firms with market entry, exposure and information through the funding of feasibility studies, technical assistance, reverse trade missions and conferences. These efforts help American businesses establish a position in newly emerging economies.

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