November 6, 2000, Beijing

Mr. Chairman, Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The International Symposium on Radiation Technology in Emerging Industrial Applications cosponsored by International Atomic Energy Agency, China Atomic Energy Authority and China Isotope and Radiation Application Association, is held in the golden Autumn, the best season of Beijing. I would like to, on behalf of CAEA, the host of this symposium, extend warm welcome to friends from all over the world.

Mr. Chairman, the subject of this symposium is the emerging industrial application of radiation technology. Radiation processing and new application of radiation technology to industry, as an integral part of nuclear science and technology development, is making speedy growth. The technology for radiation cross-link of electric wire, cable and thermal-shrinking materials, radiation sterilization of medical appliances, and ion beam machining has grown into an industry with a value of scores of billion dollars. With the expansion of application fields of radiation technology, wide-range relations have been established between radiation technology and information industry, bio-engineering, nano-techniques etc. During this symposium, the application of radiation technology in fields related to the national economy and the people's livelihood such as synthetic high polymer, natural high polymer, * , medicine, and environmental protection will be widely discussed.  We hope these emerging applications will result in
prominent social and economic benefit in the development of all countries across the world.

China is the largest developing country in the world. And the Chinese Government attaches great importance to mature and innovative technologies that can promote economic and social progress. China has devoted great efforts to developing radiation processing technology since 1960s. By far, Cobalt-60g irradiation appliances have been set up in almost all provinces of China, and the 47 electron accelerator for industrial use have made important contribution to the production of electric wire, cable, thermal shrinkage products and chemical materials. A comprehensive system has taken initial shape in China for application of radiation technology in industry, agriculture, medicine and environmental protection, and a production capability of billions of US dollars has been set up. However, further development in this field demands new technologies, techniques and products. This symposium provides a good opportunity for exchanging information and experience, and will surely promote the development of radiation proce
ssing industry.

The new century brings tremendous challenges and opportunities to mankind in energy, resources and ecological environment, as well as broad space for radiation technology development. As one of the hi-tech given priority in development, isotope and radiation technology will be supported by the Chinese Government with necessary finance, policies, and more favorable conditions.

The Chinese Government pays much attention to strengthening international cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. IAEA has held more than 40 activities in China in the field of radiation technology alone since 1984. An academic seminar on radiation technology sponsored by IAEA was held in Beijing University last week. The Sino-Japan bilateral conference on radiation chemistry has been held for 8 times. All these activities tremendously promoted the development of radiation processing industry in China and even the whole world. While extending warm welcome to delegates form Asia, Europe, America, African and Oceania to this symposium held at the turn of the century, we sincerely expect to enforce cooperation with friends of radiation technology sector from all over the world to make more contribution to promoting the application of nuclear science and technology in economic and social construction.

I wish your academic exchanges, business negotiation and visits fruitful, and wish the symposium would give you cherishable memory of Beijing and China.

In conclusion, I wish this symposium a complete success and wish you enjoy your stay here.

Thank you.