Press Release

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez Touts Public Safety with 400 Children

HANOI, VIETNAM—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today presented 450 helmets, made by the non-profit Protec Helmet Factory, a U.S. firm, to six-year-old school children and teachers to advocate better road safety for all Vietnamese and to promote mandatory helmet wearing. The helmets were donated by Protec, the Seattle Rotary Club and Kids Without Borders, as a demonstration of American corporate citizenship on the part of American companies.

“This is a great example of American companies making a difference in the lives of young Vietnamese children,” said Gutierrez. “These helmets will help to protect children for years to come and I commend Protec for its efforts to promote public safety in a typical example of American corporate citizenship.”

The helmets are produced at the non-profit Protec motorcycle helmet factory—a modern manufacturing plant using the latest U.S. technology to produce high-quality, affordable helmets that meet the needs of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian consumers. Protec is operated by the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIPF) and was founded by Greig Craft, a retired U.S. businessman in 1999. Traumatic head injury is the leading cause of death for people aged 20-29 in Vietnam. On December 15, a new traffic safety law will take effect, requiring drivers of motorbikes and bicycle riders to wear helmets.

The primary mission of Kids Without Borders (KWB) is to involve and inspire youth helping other youth. KWB connects children of all ethnic and social-economic backgrounds, ages, and religions. KWB engages the children the opportunities to give themselves unconditionally through service that will benefit other children within their communities and in other parts of the world. Founded in 2001 and based in Sammamish, Washington State, KWB is a 100 percent volunteer organization. For more information on KWB worldwide projects, visit www.kidswithnoborders.org.

The Secretary is in Vietnam to lead the first-ever Cabinet-level Business Development Mission to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Business Development Mission to Vietnam is designed to expand bilateral trade ties and boost U.S. export opportunities. For more information on the business development mission, visit www.export.gov/vietnammission.