Colleagues and friends

On behalf of China Association for Science and technology I would like to sincerely invite you to
participate in the 8th Science Council of Asia Conference in combination with the International Forum on Marine Science and Technology and Economic Development 2008, which is cosponsored by the Science Council of Asia (SCA), the Ch-ina Association for Science and technology (CAST) and the Qingdao Municipal Government on May 27-30, 2008 in Qingdao, China.
As a newly-emerging segment and the latest growth point in the world economy, marine economy is demonstrating its enormous potential in face of the “population, resources and environment” crises that are challenging the human being at present. It is a dual mission for mankind to protect marine eco-system while tapping and using marine resources.
With the theme of “Sustainable Development on Marine Resources and Enviroment”.It is expected that extensive exchanges and discussions will be achieved at the conferences to better address the problems existing in the marine sci-tech and the related economy in the hope of boosting the development of marine-related sci-tech, industry and economy in Asia, the Pacific and the world as a whole.
China boasts a vast coastal area with the total marine space reaching 4,730,000 square kilometers and the coastline amounting to 32,000 kilometers, ranking the eighth in the world. As a key marine research center in China, Qingdao is the home to 25 independent marine research institutions and a number of national marine sci-tech innovation centers. About 10,000 professionals are engaged in the marine research, with the prestigious experts accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total in China.
We are expecting the happy meeting in Qingdao, China in 2008 when we will work together to promote the sustainable development of human society with our Asian wisdom and strength.

Sincerely yours,



ZHOU Guangzhao
Honorary President
China Association for Science and Technology (CAST)