The sixtieth session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations (ESCAP) is to be held in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 28 April 2004. Prior to the session, the Special Body on the Pacific Island Developing Countries (PIDCs), a subordinate body of ESCAP, will hold its 8th meeting from 20 -21 April. The theme of this session is "meeting the challenges in an era of globalization by strengthening regional development cooperation". A wide range of topics, including regional economic and social situation, poverty reduction, globalization and social issues, etc. will be covered by the session. Mr. Zeng Qinghong, Vice-President, and Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, State Councilor, will attend the opening ceremony of the session and other related functions. Mr. Qian Qichen, former Vice Premier of China, will attend the "High Level Visionary Meeting for Asia and the Pacific 2020". Mr. Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will head the Chinese delegation to the session and will also serve as the Chairman of the session. All 62 members and associate members of ESCAP will send their ministerial or high-level delegations to the session.

ESCAP is the longest-standing inter-governmental multilateral economic and social development organization in the Asia and Pacific region with the widest representation. In the past decades, ESCAP has served as an important channel for its members to exchange experiences and expand cooperation, and has played an important role in promoting the economic and social development in this region. The Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE), the fore-runner of ESCAP, was founded in Shanghai in 1947. It is of special significance for ESCAP to hold its 60th session at its birth place. We are looking forward to working jointly with all parties concerned to ensure the session a great success.