Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, the Moravian-Silesian Region is located in the northeastern part of the Czech Republic. The distance by air from the capital city of Prague is approximately 300 km, and it borders with Slovakia and Poland. Our region is one with a strong industrial tradition dating back to the early 19th century. Mineral mining (underground mining of coal) and the related metallurgy together with mechanical engineering has developed since that time, and continues to this day. Today, we have a strong position in the automotive sector (the tradition is represented by the TATRA brand, the present by the HYUNDAI Company). Our economy has been gradually transforming and focusing on advanced technology, be it information technology, nanotechnology, biotechnology or environmental technology. We are looking for the path from the traditional coal and steel industries towards products with high added value, low impact on the environment and stronger demand for specialists of rising value in the job market. That is why you can find an educated workforce, developed infrastructure, scientific-research base and advanced higher education open to foreign students in the region. For example, over 60 students from China are currently studying at the VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava. Many foreign investors have located their investments in the region. We have prepared suitable sites for the arrival of other investors. These are new industrial zones and brownfields. I am convinced that the companies of the Moravian-Silesian Region will confirm the technological advancement of the region through presentations and participation at this year’s trade fair. The quality of our education is represented by the VŠB-TUO and University of Ostrava, which are also preparing to expand exchanges of students and researchers, along with Chinese universities. We support the cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Czech Republic at the regional level, and, as the vice president of the Association of Regions of the Czech Republic, as well as the co-president of the Association of Governors of Provinces of the People’s Republic of China and Representatives of Regions of Central and Eastern European Countries, which is being founded, I can confirm our genuine commitment to the development of the cooperation between our countries and regions. Many areas are open for it, from culture through higher education, the environment to economic cooperation. In addition to work as a source of livelihood, man also needs the space and opportunity to relax for himself and his family. Therefore, I cannot forget that the region is blessed with beautiful nature and, in addition to that, with natural healing resources. We have an iodine-bromine spa healing the musculoskeletal system and a climatic spa with excellent results in the treatment of respiratory diseases. In your spare time, you can go to the mountains. You can go skiing in winter, hiking or cycling in summer. While enjoying the beautiful panorama of the mountains, you can play golf. Every season you can taste regional cuisine. Obviously, there is a varied cultural life. At present, theatre, music festivals, concerts, and sports events of global importance have been a normal part of leisure time opportunities in this region. The capital of our region – Ostrava – is the seat of the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra. Not only does it proudly bear the name of the world-class composer and native of our region (a music festival is devoted to his legacy every year), but it is unquestionably one of the greatest symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic. And when I say the greatest, I am referring to its professionalism and musicianship.