Gov. Gregoire�s statement on WTO ruling of illegal subsidies for Airbus

For Immediate Release: June 30, 2010

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire issued the following statement today regarding the World Trade Organization�s ruling that European subsidies for Airbus violated international trade rules:

�Today�s ruling by the WTO significantly improves the competitive landscape of the global aerospace industry. In their decision, the WTO is very clear, European subsidies provided to Airbus over the last decade are illegal and must stop.

�For decades, Boeing and the workers here in Washington state have built the finest airplanes in the world. I am confident that as long as we are given a fair chance, Washington-built airplanes will always compete successfully in the global aerospace market.

�The WTO ruling demonstrates why the Pentagon should consider the fact that one of the bids for the new refueling tanker will be an illegally subsidized airplane. Simply stated, Boeing has proposed the best plane for our men and women in the armed services, and the best plane for American workers.�


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