1. 55 countries took part in the Congress and 43 of them are IIR member countries. 12 non-member countries are represented; these countries are: Singapore, Iran, Mongolia, Thailand, Kuwait, Latvia, Brazil, Kirgizistan, Ireland, Mexico and South Africa. We would like to welcome these countries aboard as member countries in the near future and are directing efforts to this process.

575 Foreign attendees came to the Congress along with many accompanying persons, and there were 733 Chinese participants, so the total number of participants was 1308.

2. I got the impression that the scientific activities went very well. Two plenary sessions, 5 courses, 13 short courses and 64 technical sessions were held. In all, 876 papers and posters were presented.

200 persons took part in technical tours.

Moreover, 12 press agencies and reporters handled extensive publicity of the Congress.

3. The social programme seems to have been very appreciated. The opening and closing ceremonies were highly successful. During the opening ceremony, we provided simultaneous translation in English, French and Chinese in order to highlight the IIR's official languages, English and French, and Chinese is of course our language here in Beijing.

The Welcome Reception, the banquet and the acrobatics show were free for participants. What's more, the registration fees were inexpensive thanks to valuable corporate sponsorship.

4. The Organizing Committee and the Science and Technology Committee of the Congress worked very hard and received IIR support throughout the preparation. Over the past few years, 98 professors and experts were invaluable volunteers: we are grateful to them for their time and efforts. Also, 51 young volunteers have assisted us during the Congress. The combined contributions of all these persons have made sure that the Congress was successful.

5. 20 foreign and Chinese companies have sponsores the Congress, providing precious financial backing.

To summarize, the Congress has provided a forum for hundreds of persons from all parts of the world and it has been a successful event. Of course, this was the first Congress we have organized, and if there were any shortcomings, we are sorry about that. Last but not least, we'd like to thank all of you for your cooperation.