Because of continuing economic development, China is rapidly expanding the number and size of its airports, especially in the southwestern parts of the country. The Wisconsin Trade Office in China will have a booth at an upcoming trade event for airport supplies and services and can represent Wisconsin exporters interested in the market.

China's aviation administration, the CAAC, currently has 37 airports under its authority in its southwest district, with the numbers expected to rise to 48 by 2010 and 60 by 2020. Statistics from the CAAC show that the air market in southwestern China has been booming in recent years. Air passengers have increased by over 34 percent in 2004 from the previous year. Key airports in this region will also be expanded to meet the increasing volume of passengers.

To facilitate this expansion, the CAAC, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and the Sichuan Development and Reform Commission are sponsoring the Western China Airport Summit 2006 May 26-27 in Sichuan. This event is ideal for companies and service suppliers involved in areas such as:

• Airline Catering
• Currency Exchange Machinery
• Electronic Displays / Monitors
• Airport Design
• Traffic Control Systems
• Airport or Public Area Building Materials
• Public Area Equipment
• Cleaning Tools
• Emergency Response Equipment
• Emergency Response Vehicles
• Security Machinery
• Airport Management Consulting
• Freight Handling
• Baggage Handling Machinery
• Deicing Machinery
• Airport Vehicles
• Other Airport Operation and Construction Related Fields

The Wisconsin Trade Office will be sponsoring a booth and catalog exhibit with other Great Lakes states at the event. Staff will collect leads, summarize product needs, and supply attendee lists to participating Wisconsin firms. There is a $100 charge for the service. For more information on exhibiting or sending materials contact Paul Swenson, Director of Wisconsin's China Trade Office, phone: (011) (8621) 3228-3505, paul.swenson@thechinahand.com.

The event is also open to speakers and firms seeking to exhibit with their own booths. Oshkosh Truck has been invited as a speaker for this event.

For more information on the summit and speaker program, visit www.westchinasummit.org/airport_Summit.php or contact:

Allan D. Peter
Deputy Secretary General
Organizing Committee Western China Airport Summit
Suite 17D, Jian Jing Building
No.1399, Beijing Xi Road,
Shanghai 200040
CHINA

phone: (011) (8621) 5169 6210
FAX: (011) (8621) 6247 3559
Email: allanp@gisconsult.net

-- Paul Swenson and Stanley Pfrang

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.