Over 200 participants from government departments and the aviation industries of China and the United States said in Beijing at the second Sino-US Aviation Symposium that they hope to further expand cooperation in civil aviation.  

The two-day forum will discuss topics on Sino-US aviation cooperation, aviation security, aviation finance, air traffic control development, airport financing and air cargo.

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) had adopted a more open policy, said its director Yang Yuanyuan. The CAAC encouraged competition and gave a greater role to the market rather than administrative policies. It also improved standards on security management policy and increased supervision.     

Regarding international traffic rights, Yang said the CAAC will be more active and open. So far, China has signed new aviation agreements with many nations.

Yang added that like many other nations, China is now facing pressures, such as aviation security. China hoped to learn from developed nations, in order to promote rapid, steady and continuous development of the industry.

US Trade and Development Agency (TDA) Director Thelma J. Askey said TDA and American enterprises hoped to strengthen cooperation with Chinese counterparts.

US Ambassador to China Clark T. Randt said in the past 10 years, China's civil aviation has achieved remarkable progress and it continued to be promising. The two nations have carried out beneficial cooperation in aircraft, air traffic control and airport design. The memorandum of understanding on aviation cooperation signed here Tuesday will be a new example of cooperation between the two nations.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2004)