On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I have great pleasure in welcoming you to the IMO Diplomatic Conference on Ship Recycling to be held in Hong Kong from 11 to 15 May 2009.

During the five-day Conference, delegates from IMO Member States will endeavour to reach an agreement on the International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. This new Convention, if adopted, will provide an international regulatory framework to dispose of ships in an environmentally friendly manner at the end of their operating life. This would be an important milestone for the sustainable development of the shipping industry. With your staunch support and the well-established co-operation among IMO Members, I am confident that the Conference will come to a successful and fruitful conclusion.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is honoured to play host to this important maritime conference and to ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay in Hong Kong for all conference participants. Amid your busy work schedule for the Conference, I hope you will find time to explore and enjoy Hong Kong, Asia's world city.

I look forward to seeing you in May 2009 in Hong Kong.

Ms Eva Cheng, JP
Secretary for Transport and Housing
Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region