For Immediate Release
Contact: Curt Cultice/Arlene Mayeda, 202-482-3809
Thursday, May 11, 2000

U.S. Commerce Department Trade Mission to Help Aerospace Executives
Tap Growing Trade Opportunities in Brazil

21 U.S. Industry Representatives from 18 companies to Participate in Mission

Washington, DC --U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology & Aerospace Industries Ellis R. Mottur will lead an Executive Aerospace Trade Mission to Brazil May 14-19. The mission aims to further U.S. commercial policy objectives and advance business interests in South America's largest country.

The mission, which includes 21 aerospace executives from 18 American companies, will stop in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and Sao Paulo. The firms are well-positioned to provide expertise in all sectors of the aerospace industry, including aircraft and parts, commercial space, air traffic control and airport equipment, and helicopters.

"There is no better time than now for U.S. aerospace companies looking to expand their opportunities in Brazil," Mr. Mottur said. "With the region poised to resume positive economic growth following a year-long recession, and the increasing cooperation between Brazilian and U.S. commercial entities, we expect this mission to help cement expanded cooperation in the aerospace sector."

Brazil is developing an airport privatization program and is looking to expand commercial partnerships. In 1999, U.S. aerospace exports to Brazil totaled more than $1.5 billion.

In Brazil, Mr. Mottur will meet with senior government officials, where he will advocate on behalf of U.S. firms and advance U.S. economic and commercial policy objectives. He and the business delegation will meet with senior officials from the Department of Civil Aviation, the Department of Electronic and Flight Protection, the Brazilian Space Agency, the Air Force General Support Command, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Brazilian House of Representatives, INFRAERO (Empresa Brasileira de Infra-Estrutura Aeroportuária), and the Brazilian Ministry of Defense.

They also will meet with the American Chambers of Commerce in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, aircraft manufacturer Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.), INPE (National Institute for Space Research), and a host of small-to medium-sized Brazilian firms interested in working with U.S. companies.

The mission will follow-up on Commerce Secretary William M. Daley's successful Business Development mission to Brazil last February.

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