"Seamless Sky" is an important concept for several aspects of air transport in the globalizing world. Among the several factors of "Seamless Sky," I would suggest that we focus on Air Traffic Management (ATM), Safety and Security at this conference. ATM is one of the most critical factors to be considered in moving towards a "Seamless Sky" concept. Japan, as well as other States in the region, is in the process of progressively developing a long-term roadmap to define its future air transport system. In fact, the future air transport system has generated much interest in the region. At this conference, I would further suggest that we discuss how the Asia/Pacific Regions should and could work together in building a regionally-oriented programme like NextGen and SESAR, what actions we should undertake, and where we should develop this discussion. Safety is also important for cooperation in the approach to "Seamless Sky" in the region. Security is a key factor as well, in the region where the movement of goods and people is growing. With your involvement and cooperative efforts, we could look forward to fruitful and productive discussions at the Conference.

If you plan to present any papers at the Conference, please bear in mind the Conference theme and the other items in the provisional agenda, and send the papers to the ICAO Asia and Pacific (APAC) Office, Bangkok at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and a copy to the conference secretariat at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All papers for the Conference will be posted on the conference website prior to the Conference. Please note that the deadline for submission of all papers for the Conference is 14 September, 2009.

Concerning the way the Conference will be held, I would like to kindly draw your attention to new approaches. One is the introduction of the Head of Delegates (HOD) meeting in the morning of the first day, aimed at building bridges and setting the tone for the Conference without increasing the operational cost, a matter which was agreed upon at the 45^th Conference. In this meeting, the HODs will confirm the conference proceedings, and exchange opinions on agenda items in advance. The other approach is the implementation of a paper reduction initiative at the Conference from the viewpoint of contributing to the protection of the global environment. Little things these new approaches may be, but I believe that they will have some sort of positive impact on the DGCA Conference. Your kind understanding and cooperation in these respects will be very much appreciated.

In consultation with the ICAO APAC Office, a tentative programme, a provisional agenda, and a working paper guidance for the Conference have been developed and posted on the conference website at http://ocab.mlit.go.jp/dgca/. The website also provides all the arrangements for the Conference, such as conference registration and hotel reservation, as well as useful and essential information. Any new information on the Conference will be regularly updated on the website, so it would be appreciated if you could refer to it on a regular basis.

Last, but not the least, as autumn is normally the peak season for tourism in Japan, you are strongly recommended to make early reservations for hotel accommodation. Furthermore with regard to conference registration, please e-mail the completed registration form to the conference secretariat and a copy to the ICAO APAC Office on or before 14 September, 2009. If you have any further enquiries about the 46^th DGCA Conference, you are most welcome to contact the conference secretariat by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In Sado (Japanese tea ceremony), there is a concept called "Ichigo Ichie," which means "Treasure every encounter." With this philosophy in mind, the tea host prepares the ceremony for the guest with deepest sincerity. I am welcoming and hosting you and your delegation in the spirit of "Ichigo Ichie." I truly hope that this conference will "Bring Together" as many participants as possible to address the various challenges we are currently facing in the Asia/Pacific regions for a safe, secure and sustainable international civil aviation.