Welcome Message from the President of 17th WCNDT

Dr.Rong Sheng Geng

　　In year 2000 in the course of the 15th WCNDT, China was awarded the honor of hosting the 17th World Conference on Non-destructive Testing.
　　China is an ancient country with long-standing history and culture. More than five thousand years of civilization has been edifying thousand millions of hard-working and friendly people. The reform and opening policy have stimulated infinite vigor for the civilized ancient country. The appearance of China has been improving daily. The Great Wall and Imperial Palace, attractive natural scenery and modern architectures are so harmoniously unified. China is a bright pearl in the rapidly developing countries.
　　On behalf of the Chinese Society for Non-destructive Testing, I with great pleasure invite you to take part in this great and memorable conference.
As Shanghai has ample experience for successfully holding all kinds of conference and exhibition, and possesses many modernized conference facilities, we will do our best to hold an informative and enjoyable conference.
　　We will provide a platform for all participants to exchange their knowledge with possibility to demonstrate their scientific achievements. The specialists will therefore be in the forefront of NDT technology for the benefit of the global economy development and for safer world in future.
We will also conduct an exhibition for NDT instruments and machineries with latest technology, and organize meetings and gatherings to built a bridge for suppliers and users.
　　You will not only see the latest NDT technology, but also make lots of friends from all over the world. You can be guaranteed to have good time in this Conference in Shanghai.
　　Finally I enthusiastically look forward with great honor to seeing you all in Shanghai of China in year 2008.

Welcome Message from the President of the Chinese
Society for Non-destructive Testing

Dr.Jian Zhong Shen

　　On behalf of the Chinese Society for Non-destructive Testing and the 17th WCNDT Preparing Committee, I would like to warmly and sincerely invite you all to attend the 17th WCNDT in Shanghai in 2008. The Conference will be a grand event among the NDT personnel from all over the world. I am sure that all NDT specialists and personnel who already engaged in NDT will gain a lot in technology and development in the next four years till 2008
　　 I wish to take this opportunity to extend our cordial invitation to you all to exchange views of your valuable experience, great achievements and advanced technology in this Conference for the benefit of all.
　　 As China is one of the largest developing countries, she has an urgent demand for advanced NDT technology. After the open door policy China has made tremendous achievement in the NDT technology, equipment and various applications. Shanghai is the eastern gateway of China. Since 19th century Shanghai has become the largest trading port of China. And today it is among the world’s fastest-growing cities. China is the highest potential market for NDT equipment and technology. There has been much business opportunity here. We sincerely welcome you to visit our country, exchange experience and knowledge.
　　 It has been well known that China is of rich historical cultural heritages and beautiful cultural geographical environment. No matter it is the first time you come to China or have been to China for many times you will feel at home in Shanghai. After the 17th Conference, you are most welcome to visit other scenic locations of China for enjoyment, and these can include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing. Scenery in Guilin has been recognized as one of the most beautiful places in the world. The wood and clay tomb figures of warriors and horses have been well known as terra-cotta warriors and horses in Xian.
　　 The delegates and friends from all over the world joining the 17th WCNDT will certainly enjoy the sincere welcome and reception by the Chinese people.
Not only may you learn the latest status of the NDT technology, you will be guaranteed to enjoy this beautiful and mystical oriental country.
　　 Welcome to Shanghai. Welcome to China!
　　 Many thanks for your kind attention!

Message from the ICNDT Chairman

Douglas J. Marshall
ICNDT Chairman

　　The 16th World Conference held in Montreal, Canada has come and gone. The experience and learning curve to host a conference and exhibition of that magnitude was overwhelming. It had been 40 years since Canada hosted a World Conference and for obvious reasons the experience gained from the 5th WCNDT organizing committee members was not available to the 16th WCNDT committee. The roller coaster ride from successfully winning the bid in 1996 to actually hosting the conference earlier last year will be considered the most memorable moment of my thirty seven year career in NDT. Now, the torch has been handed over to your Society and with that comes the opportunity to show the rest of the world your commitment, dedication and advanced NDT technology to the international community for nondestructive testing.
　　As the past president of the 16th WCNDT and newly elected Chairman for ICNDT I personally offer my full support to our 17th WCNDT President, Dr. Geng and his Conference Organizing Committee. As the Secretariat, the Canadian Institute for NDE will deliver a detailed 16th World Conference Report highlighting the activities of the 16th WCNDT to your organizing committee. This document will become a useful tool for your organization to improve on our learning experiences over the last four years and continue to make the World Conference the NDT conference of choice.
　　Now with change in the ICNDT organization following the formal meetings held during the 16th WCNDT and a transfer of responsibilities I look forward to the challenges of the International Committee for NDT. The focus of my leadership role is to build a flexible, active organization under the direction of the ICNDT Executive and Policy and General Purpose Committees. Strategic planning is necessary to grow but it is the execution of the plan that is hard. The ICNDT is the recognized leader in the NDT community; it is our responsibility to make certain that the execution of our plan happens. The Chinese Society for Nondestructive Testing plays a key role in the leadership of ICNDT, as Chairman I look forward to your input and continued support in moving the ICNDT organization forward.
　　One of my goals as ICNDT Chairman is to continue our momentum in obtaining world recognition for one NDT Certification Standard, ISO 9712. It is important that the International Committee for Nondestructive be the driver and recognized expert in Nondestructive Testing Certification. Having access to either direct or indirect control means ICNDT membership can achieve predictability, which in turn, increases the likelihood of success. The ICNDT Recommended guidelines for ISO 9712 Certification provide the vehicle for all countries to meet on the same page and obtain true harmonization. The Guideline document is presently under going change to guarantee it meets the requirements of the revised ISO standard, ISO 9712:2005.
Additional goals are:
·Complete implementation of ICNDT Operating Policies and Procedure
·Legalization of ICNDT
·Develop a list of World Class Resources within our Organization and make available to our Membership
　　Our goals won’t be easy, but they won’t be unrewarding once obtained. Our founding fathers developed a template for us to follow through their knowledge and experiences. Together we must continue to build on the template developed for us. I look forward to being part of the 17th WCNDT and the opportunity to participate at various functions in China during your event planning.
　　Finally, but not necessarily lastly, I would like to personally send out my congratulations to my colleague and friend, Dr. Guo upon becoming a Honorary Member of the International Committee for Nondestructive Testing for his recognition of distinguished activity within the scope of the ICNDT objectives, congratulations from all.

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