One of the purposes of my visit here is to urge Hong Kong to join us in a more liberal aviation partnership so that we each can enjoy the economic benefits that have so clearly followed America's Open Skies agreements with 31 countries around the world. Dramatic U.S.-Europe traffic growth followed implementation of Open Skies and the integrated airline alliances that Open Skies made possible. In the Netherlands, passenger traffic between our two countries has doubled since our Open Skies agreement was signed in 1992. In addition, each new international route benefits local economies through added airport traffic, fuel sales, food service, tourism and the like. And, as all of you are well aware, investors want the easiest possible passenger and cargo access to their operations.
New routes provide that access.
The carriers of our Open skies partners have benefited from these agreements. A liberal air service regime will help Hong Kong fulfill its potential as a major global air service hub. Now more than ever, Hong Kong should be an integral part of a global air services network. Today, we hear voices of doubt and pessimism about the future. We must not give in to those voices.