October 16, 2007

Distinguished Mr. Jiao Yong, and Mr. Hu Siyi, Vice Ministers of the Ministry of Water Resources,

Distinguished Ms. Cristina Narbona, Minister of Environment of Spain,

Distinguished Mr. Loic Fauchon, President of the World Water Council,

Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen,

On the occasion of the opening ceremony of the Third International Yellow River Forum and the First Yellow River Estuary Tourism Culture Expo, I hereby, on behalf of Shandong Provincial Government, would like to extend the most sincere congratulations to the convening of the Forum and the Expo as well as the warmest welcome and heartfelt thankfulness to all the leaders and distinguished guests from all over the world.

Shandong, located at the lower reaches of the Yellow River and bordering the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea, is a province with long history, large population, rich resources and advanced economy. Covering 157 thousand km2, and with a population of 93.09 million, it has under its administration 17 municipalities, which includes 140 counties (cities or districts). Shandong, with major economic indicators ranking among the top of the country, is one of the most vigorous places for development in China. In 2006, its GDP amounted to RMB2184.67 billion, an increase of 14.7% over that of last year, and ranking the second in the country. The local revenue totaled RMB135.53 billion, increased by 26.3%. the average disposable income per capita for urban dwellers reached RMB12192, increasing 13.5%. The export and import volume totaled USD$92.66 billion, an increase of 25%. Shandong is a big province in terms of agriculture, with 67 million farmers and 100 million mu of arable land. In 2006, the output value of agriculture reached RMB213.89 billion, increasing 5.2%, ranking the first in China. The average net income per capita of rural dwellers were RMB4368, increasing 11.1%.

At present, under the right leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the whole province, guided by Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of "Three Represents", is implementing the scientific concept for development in real earnest and pushing forward scientific development, harmonious development and taking the lead in development according to the overall plan for building the socialist new Shandong. The Yellow River Delta, as a place with the most development potential in Shandong, is accelerating its opening up and development to achieve new high for economic development. The City of Dongying is the central city of the Yellow River Delta and is at the forefront for a new round of development. It has rich natural resources, such the second largest oil field Shengli Oilfield, rich water resources and rich geo-thermal resources. It also has complete infrastructure, convenient transportation, and sound development environment. In recent years, the various social undertakings of Dongying have achieved striking results. With the full scale development of the Yellow River Delta, Dongying is sure to achieve greater development and Dongying's future is even better.

The Yellow River is the mother river of the Chinese nation and the major water resource in Shandong. Flowing by 9 municipalities including 25 counties (cities or districts), it plays a very important role in Shandong's economic and social development. We should be grateful to the yellow river while we benefit from what she has brought us. The Third International Yellow River Forum and the First Yellow River Estuary Tourism Culture Expo is an important gathering for elites of water management from all over the world as well as a great event for all the provinces and cities along the Yellow River drainage to carry on the Yellow River Culture and exchange ideas for economic development. It is sure to further promote the development of international water management, greatly push forward the rational and fast development of the economy and society along the Yellow River and the opening up and development of the Yellow River Delta.

It is a precious opportunity for friends from various cities, provinces and countries to gather at the Yellow River Delta. I hope you can have a full taste of the spirit and energy of Shandong, appreciate the unique scenery offered by the Yellow River Estuary, further your understanding of Dongying and contribute advices and efforts to the research, treatment, fast construction and development of the Yellow River Delta.

Finally, wish the Third International Yellow River Forum and the First Yellow River Estuary Tourism Culture Expo a great success.

Thank you.