The first joint press conference of 60th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) was

held in Shanghai on April 22, 2004. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang and ESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-su briefed the domestic and foreign media on basic information and importance of the Session. They also took questions from the media.

Mr. Shen Guofang said that Shanghai was the birthplace of ESCAP. The Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE), the predecessor of ESCAP, was founded in Shanghai 57 years ago, an event that made history for regional cooperation in Asia and the Pacific. Shanghai is one of the most dynamic cities in the Asia-Pacific region. It is of special significance, therefore, that the 60th session of ESCAP is held back in Shanghai. The Chinese Government attaches great importance to this Session. Vice President Zeng Qinghong and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will attend the opening ceremony for the Ministerial Segment on the 26th, and former Premier Qian Qichen will attend relevant activities of the session. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will attend the session as head of the Chinese delegation as well as chairman of the Session.

Mr. Shen said, as host of this session, China hopes to exploit this opportunity to strengthen the role of the UN, ESCAP in particular, in regional development and cooperation, expand the achievements of cooperation, expedite the implementation of the UN Millennium Development Goals, and promote mutual benefits and common development among Asia-Pacific countries. Development is an issue faced by the humankind. China hopes that this Session will propel the UN to pay more attention to comprehensive, harmonious, scientific development of the social economy as well as to peace and security.

Mr. Shen believed that China would be a good host who ensures the success of the Session by providing good services to the meetings and reception for the delegates, and keeping close cooperation with the ESCAP Secretariat and other members.

Mr. Kim Hak-su pointed out the special significance of the 60th session of ESCAP being held in its birthplace. He said, with the Session's theme being "Meeting the Challenges in an Era of Globalisation by Strengthening Regional Development Cooperation", the Session will look to the future upon reviewing ESCAP's achievements in the past. A high-level Visionary Panel Meeting for Asia and the Pacific 2020 will be attended by some former Heads of Government or State in the region. The Signing Ceremony of Intergovernmental Agreement on Asian Highway Network, the Asia-Pacific Business Forum and other side events on social issues will also be held. Mr. Kim Hak-Su expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for hosting the Session.

Mr. Shen Guofang and Mr. Kim Hak-Su both took questions from the media on the relationship between China and ESCAP, China's role in regional development, the UN's role in the world, Shanghai's potential of hosting international meetings and large-scale activities, etc.

Over one hundred domestic and foreign journalists were present at the joint press conference.