ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE LINDA CONLIN
TO LEAD HISTORIC AEROSPACE TRADE MISSION TO VIETNAM

Linda Conlin, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development, will lead the first Commerce-sponsored aerospace trade mission to Vietnam in August 2002.

"This is a historic and timely opportunity for U.S. aerospace companies to build relationships and explore opportunities in a rapidly emerging aerospace market," said Conlin. "Vietnam holds great potential for the U.S. aerospace industry and I look forward to furthering the commercial relationship between our countries in this important sector."

The delegation will visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to develop contacts with key Vietnamese government officials. U.S. company executives will also meet individually with potential business partners, including representatives from organizations involved in airport development, air traffic management, air terminal communications, airport security, aircraft and aircraft parts, global positioning systems, and helicopters and parts.

On December 10, 2001, Commerce Secretary Don Evans hosted the signing of an agreement between Vietnam Airlines Corporation and Boeing for the purchase of four new Boeing 777 aircraft. It was the first major transaction to follow the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement, which was ratified by Congress October 3, 2001 and took effect on December 10, 2001.

For further information on participation in the August 25-31, 2002 trade mission, please contact Mara Yachnin/Evan Foster at (202) 482-2835, fax:(202) 482-3113, or e-mail: mara_yachnin@ita.doc.gov or evan_foster@ita.doc.gov.

Information is also available at: www.ita.doc.gov/aerospace.