U.S. Congress
Friday, October 13, 2000
Oberstar, Rockefeller Host High-Ranking Delegation from China
For Aviation Symposium
WASHINGTON—High-ranking air transportation officials and corporate executives from the United States and the People’s Republic of China will come together for an international aviation symposium October 16-17 in Washington, beginning a week-long visit by the Chinese delegation to learn more about U.S. aviation operations.
The event is hosted by Rep. James L. Oberstar, Ranking Democratic Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (W. Va.), ranking Democrat on the Senate Aviation Subcommittee. The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Airports Council International (ACI), and the Air Transport Association (ATA) have organized the symposium. The event has more than 30 government and industry sponsors, including the Departments of State, Commerce and Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Mr. Liu Jianfeng, Minister of the Civil Aviation Administration for China (CAAC), will head the Chinese delegation of 30 CAAC, airline and airport officials
"This Symposium will advance the great strides that have been made in the aviation industries of both countries,” Oberstar said. “The extensive transportation and infrastructure development in China -- making it a formidable competitor -- is both a challenge and an opportunity for the United States. Providing a forum for both U.S. and China's air carriers to share their experiences can only enhance the ties between our two nations."
"While there has been meaningful cooperation between the United States and China
on aviation matters for some time, it is my profound hope that this historic symposium will take our dialogue to an even more productive level”, Rockefeller said. “If our economies are to compete in the 21st century, and if our citizens are to benefit from the many changes re-shaping the global economy, we must all have access to the full range of convenient, safe and affordable air travel opportunities. Both of our nations have many aviation challenges to address, and this symposium will strengthen cooperative relations in both the private and public sector."
The symposium will be held at the National Transportation Board conference center, 490 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC, at 8:30 Monday morning through noon Tuesday, October 16 and 17. The Chinese delegation then travels to Chicago to visit air traffic control and computer reservation facilities. From there the delegation splits into two groups, with one half traveling to Memphis and Dallas-Ft. Worth and the other visiting Louisville and Minneapolis-St. Paul. The delegation reunites in Seattle on Friday, October 20 and departs for China the next day.
Speakers at the opening session in Washington include Sen. Rockefeller, Rep. Oberstar, Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, Minister Liu and Mr. Liu Xiomong, Charges d’affaires at the Chinese embassy in Washington. Federal Aviation Administrator Jane Garvey will also participate in the Monday session.
-END-
For More Information: Jim Berard (Oberstar) 202-225-6260
Spencer Dickerson (AAAE) 703-824-0504