On 2ndJanuary 1975, the World Tourism Organization was formally founded. Chinabecame its member in October 1983. Since then, Chinawas present at the regular sessions of the WTO, played an active role in its activities and forged good cooperation with it. The WTO has, on many occasions, sent its experts to Chinato provide technical assistance in terms of tourist planning, development, statistics, marketing, education and training. The WTO will hold its 15thCongress in Beijingfrom 17-24 October 2003.

In 2002, China's relation with the WTO registered further development.

In January and April, the secretary-general of the WTO sent a letter to the head of China's National Tourism Administration seeking China's support for the WTO effort to become a specialized agency of the UN.

From 14-15 March, the 17thjoint session of the WTO South Asia Committee and East Asia-Pacific Committee as well as the special session of the WTO East Asia-Pacific Committee were respectively held in Madrid, Spain. Chinawas represented by Mr. Tang Yonggui, the Chinese ambassador to Spain. The sessions were mainly devoted to the WTO working program 2004-2005 and the future activities of the regions in question. Ambassador Tang briefed the sessions on the progress of preparatory work for the 15thWTO Congress to be held in Chinain 2003.

In April 28, the Chinese delegate of the Chinese Permanent Mission to the UN gave support to the WTO's application for becoming a specialized UN agency at the UN session.

In July 6, the head of the National Tourism Administration met with the WTO secretary-general in Mexicowhere he was attending the Second APEC ministerial meeting on tourism. Both sides exchanged views on the 15thWTO Congress to be held in Beijing.

From 14-19 November, the WTO secretary-general and director of the Asia-Pacific division attended the Bo'ao Asia tourism forum held in Guilin.