October 16, 2007

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

In this golden October of harvesting season, friends from all corners of the world and offspring of the Yellow River gather at the beautiful and miraculous Yellow River Estuary to convene the Third International Yellow River Forum and the First Yellow River Estuary Tourism Culture Expo. I hereby, on behalf of the Dongying Committee of the Communist Party of China and Dongying Municipal Government, would like to extend the warmest welcome and heartfelt thankfulness to all the leaders and distinguished guests present at this event.

Dongying is the central city of the Yellow River Estuary, with rich economic resources, beautiful natural scenery and great potential for further development.

The Chinese Government has put the development of eco-economy at the Yellow River Delta into the Outline for the 11th Five-Year Plan for National Economy and Social Development. Shandong Province has determined the strategy for the development of the Yellow River Delta as building ecologically efficient economic zone in the Yellow River Delta. The prelude for greater development and greater opening of the Yellow River Delta has started.

This session of International Yellow River Forum, with clear theme and far-reaching significance, fully represents the brand-new concept of harmonious development between human beings and rivers. Through the concerted effort of various experts and scholars, we are sure to achieve a number of scientific research results, and this will greatly promote the sustainable development of the Yellow River Delta.

The Yellow River enters the sea in Dongying, forming the spectacular scenery at the Yellow River Estuary, and fostering three major ecological resources, namely, new born wetland, rare birds and wild plants. The eco-tourism at the Yellow River Estuary is becoming a special and influential brand name for tourism. The Yellow River has not only nurtured the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation, but also forged the Yellow River Culture featured by diligence, braveness, generosity and fraternity. The first Yellow River Estuary Tourism Culture Expo is to provide a platform for the 38 cities along the Yellow River to show themselves and exchange with each other. And through this platform, let us carry forward the profound and vigorous Yellow River Culture, give full play to the indomitable, pioneering and innovative spirit of the contemporary times, make joint efforts in enhancing the Yellow River Culture, create the Yellow River economic belt and achieve new glory along the Yellow River.

I sincerely hope that friends from various cities and countries can make a comprehensive investigation into the City of Dongying and make a further understanding of the Yellow River Estuary. Let us take the opportunity offered by this event to form the bridge of cooperation and friendship and let us march forward together for the development of the Yellow River Delta and the prosperity and development of the places along the Yellow River.

Finally, I wish this Forum a great success!

Wish every guests good health, successful career and happy life!

Thank you.