Distinguished guests of the CMAAO, as Mayor of Taipei, I am honored to welcome every representative of each member state of the CMAAO. I very much hope that you will all have an opportunity to enjoy some of the best aspects of our island Taiwan, and leave here with an excellent image of our country.

For the past forty years, the CMAAO has been tirelessly promoting medical education, practices, ethics and standards in countries across Asia. Through interaction with other international non-governmental organizations, the level of knowledge sharing related to professional medical techniques between nations has increased, and significant progress has been made toward the goal of elevating the health standards of each nation.

n this time of societal change, consumer awareness has become more acute. Faced with the implementation of the national health insurance system and an ever-changing society, the old conservative medical structure has no choice but to accelerate the pace of its modernization in order to accommodate a new generation of consumers. A healthy city and a healthy way of life for our citizens, strict implementation of public health policies and the achievement of international health standards have always been the goals of the Taipei City Government. As the capital city, we have the responsibility of being the role model in medical planning for all other cities and countries in Taiwan. It is our hope that we can meet the demands of our citizens even better, so that Taipei can truly take its place as a world-class capital.

Since 1997, each year, private sector, government and NGO representatives from Taiwan have attended the WHO conference, in order to promote our wish of being admitted as a member of the WHO, and to express our opinion that Taiwan should not be excluded from the global disease prevention system. In the past two years, my administration has followed the direction set out in the 'medical policy white paper.' Of all the policies that we have been actively realizing, our highest achievements in the health sector have been in the area of disease prevention. We have received excellent results in our vaccination programs and the prevention of hepatitis, tuberculosis, intestinal diseases and dengue outbreaks. This has contributed to Taipei being listed as one of the most habitable cities in Asia. However, with a high population density and an extraordinary rate of international travel, we must do more to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS and tuberculosis so that we can further enhance Taipei's standing as an international city.

It is my personal view that, in order to become an international metropolis in this changing time, the bonds with our international friends must be strengthened even further. We must integrate all our resources, working together toward our goal of health for all. It is not only a goal, but also a responsibility for us as citizens of this planet, to expend even greater effort in improving global health. I wish this conference every success, as well as good health and prosperity to you all.

Ying-Jeou Ma