U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans Witnesses Signing of a Purchase Agreement Between Boeing and Various Chinese Airlines

October 2, 2001

Washington, DC

Commerce Secretary Don Evans today witnessed a $1.6 billion General Purchase Agreement between The Boeing Company and Chinese officials. The agreement was for 30 Boeing 737 jetliners.

"This $1.6 billion agreement brings our two countries a little closer. The spin-off benefits for both our countries include the creation of new jobs and new opportunities in the airline manufacturing sectors," said Evans.

The aircraft will be delivered to China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines.

Joining Secretary Evans in the ceremony were Vice Chairman Zhang Guobao of China's State Development Planning Commission (SDPC), Mr. Bai Zhi Jian, President of the China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Corporation, Alan Mulally, the President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Ambassador Yang Jiechi, China's Ambassador to the United States, members of Congress, and representatives from the four Chinese airline companies.

Secretary of Commerce Don Evans speaks at the signing of the Boeing-Chinese purchase agreement.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans Witnesses Signing of a Purchase Agreement Between Boeing and Various Chinese Airlines.