PRESS RELEASE

Statement of Salvatore F. Sodano
Chairman and CEO, The American Stock Exchange
Vice Chairman, National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD)
March 26, 2001


"On behalf of the American Stock Exchange, I am honored to participate in the Beijing International High-Tech Industries Week in May. I look forward to a thoughtful and productive exchange of ideas and views on how we can work together as the development of the capital markets in China accelerates. 

As one of Wall Street's oldest and most revered institutions, The American Stock Exchange has great appreciation and deep respect for your history, and we are equally enthusiastic and hopeful about the future development of the Chinese economy. In that spirit of mutual admiration, I am most honored to extend our willingness to work with you as your partner in continuing the remarkable modernization and transformation of your financial institutions."


Media contact
Bob Rendine
Senior Vice President
212-306-1691