13 Companies Selected for Historic Trade Mission to Vietnam
U.S. Companies To Explore Business Opportunities in Emerging Aerospace Market

Commerce Assistant Secretary Linda Conlin today announced that 13 U.S. aerospace companies will accompany her on the first U.S. government sponsored trade mission to Vietnam since the signing of the U.S.-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement. The mission will visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Mihn City, Vietnam, August 25-30.

"Helping American businesses build partnerships in Vietnam, and in markets around the globe means higher-paying U.S. jobs and a stronger American economy," said Conlin. "Now that President Bush has trade promotion authority, the Bush Administration will continue to work diligently toward expanding trade in other regions of the world."

The business delegation is: Advanced Navigation & Positioning Corp.; ARINC; Bell Helicopters; Boeing Air Traffic Management; The Boeing Company; Gravitas Digital Solutions, Inc.; Lockheed Martin Global, Inc.; The LPA Group; Orbital Communications International; Pratt & Whitney; Raytheon International, Inc.; Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.; and Uplift Inc.

The mission participants will 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.

Trade Development (TD) offers U.S. businesses resources and services for all stages of the exporting process. With industry-focused experts to provide strategic research and analysis, TD helps small and large U.S. businesses access the global marketplace. TD also administers 1-800-USA-TRADE, a nationwide hotline available to companies seeking government export assistance and counseling.