News and Events

News and Press Releases

New Beijing Air Route Is a Win for Greater Washington

January 10, 2006; Washington , DC - The Greater Washington Board of Trade and the Greater Washington Initiative are celebrating the news that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded United Airlines with the highly coveted nonstop air route between Washington, DC and Beijing, China. Both organizations were early supporters of the route.

The Greater Washington Initiative recently published a study of the economic impact of international commerce in the region. The analysis revealed:

  • More than 40,000 Asian-owned businesses in Greater Washington, generating over $10 billion in revenue, according to the 2002 Economic Census.
  • Approximately 5% of area residents speak Asian languages and several area high schools offer Chinese language immersion programs.
  • A rapidly-growing number of the region’s headquartered companies have established operations in China, including: Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, AES, General Dynamics, Discovery Communications and Danaher Corporation.

    • “This route will further establish this region as the international crossroad to commerce,” said Jim Dinegar, president and CEO, Greater Washington Board of Trade. “This new nonstop air-link between these two world capitals is great news for the region’s business community and will facilitate economic and cultural ties between our two countries.”

    “This is an economic victory for the Greater Washington region,” said Tim Priest, executive director of the Greater Washington Initiative, the region’s research and economic development marketing organization. “Five years ago China wasn’t even in the top 15 international destinations for local companies operating globally. Now, nearly one-quarter of Greater Washington firms with international operations have a presence in China.  That number is sure to increase with this new direct route.”    

    A complete list of local companies with operations in China is available at www.greaterwashington.org.

    ###

    The Greater Washington Board of Trade is the region’s largest network of business leaders and the only organization representing all industry sectors. Members join the Board of Trade to grow their business and help build a better community. For more information, visit www.bot.org.

    The Greater Washington Initiative ( GWI) is the regional research and economic development marketing organization that assists firms in expanding their businesses in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland. GWI provides complimentary and confidential client services and research and is an affiliate of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. For more info, visit www.greaterwashington.org.

    GWI Services

    Contact GWI

    Greater Washington Initiative
    (202) 857-5999