NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen led a government and industry panel discussion on policies to foster general aviation growth in China last week during a U.S.-China Aviation Summit in Washington, D.C. The event brought together senior officials from the Civil Aviation Administration of China and FAA, as well as the Shanghai Airport Authority, and industry leaders from the U.S. and Asia to discuss the future growth of China’s rapidly diversifying aviation market.

“Tremendous progress and clear goals in China are important for the development of general aviation,” Bolen said, noting that general aviation is helping Chinese businesses connect to government and financial centers, as well as creating jobs and spurring economic investment. He also stressed the importance of the Sino-American aviation industry relationship, which promotes greater diplomatic goals of fostering trade, commerce and bringing the countries closer together. In addition, Bolen praised China’s commitment to safety in the development of its general aviation sector.

Industry leaders on the panel included representatives from GE Aviation, Gulfstream Aerospace, ICF International, Citic Offshore Helicopter and Universal Weather & Aviation.