Text: Commerce Department on Boeing-Vietnam Airlines Agreement
(Sec. Evans calls deal "beginning of partnership")

U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans called the signing of a purchase agreement December 10 between the Boeing Company and Vietnam Airlines Corporation "the beginning of a partnership that has great promise."

In a Commerce Department press release issued that day, Evans noted that the agreement for the purchase of four Boeing Model 777 jetliners is the first major commercial transaction between the United States and Vietnam since the U.S.- Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement was signed by both countries.

The jetliners are valued at $680 million.

Following is the text of the press release:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 10, 2001

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

Washington, DC - Commerce Secretary Don Evans today witnessed the signing of a purchase agreement between the Boeing Company and Vietnam Airlines Corporation for the purchase of four Boeing Model 777 jetliners valued at $680 million.

"This agreement represents a new era for both our countries, setting an example for continued cooperation, new opportunities and job growth in the airline, aviation, and tourism sectors," Evans said. "This is the first major commercial transaction between the United States and Vietnam since the approval by our countries of the historic U.S. Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement. It marks the beginning of a partnership that has great promise."

Joining Secretary Evans in the ceremony were Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Minister of Trade Vu Khoan, Vietnam's Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Tam Chien, President and CEO of Vietnam Airlines Corporation, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hien, the President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Mr. Alan Mulally, and members of Congress.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

Return to U.S.-Vietnam Relations.

Return to IIP Home Page.