Today, in this beautiful season with such lovely weather, we welcome the opening of the 10 th ACPF World Conference in Macao, with the participation of 26 countries and regions. On behalf of the Public Prosecutions Office of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the co-organizer of the event, I would like to extend the warmest welcome to all the guests present in this ceremony and my highest respect to all individualities who have greatly contributed to the cause of crime prevention in Asia. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the support of the SAR Government and the presence of his Excellency the Chief Executive at today's ceremony.

The ACPF, as the only regional non-governmental organization in the field of criminal justice in Asia, has expanded its influence from Asian regions to different parts of the world since its foundation in 1982. It plays a crucial role in the promotion of studies on crime prevention and treatment of offenders as well as in the enhancement of international cooperation between different countries and regions in the combat against crimes, serving as a bridge that overcomes discrepancies between different cultural and social backgrounds of different countries, thus enabling them to develop contacts and exchanges of ideas.

The law, as a cultural phenomenon of the society, is closely linked to its political, economical and cultural systems as well as its historical traditions. The adaptation and adjustment of the laws of a country to its political system, its natural circumstances and traditional customs result in discrepancies and pluralism in legal systems of different countries. Especially in the case of criminal laws, as the ultimate legal protector, comparing to other types of laws, are even more susceptible to influences of a country's political traditions, way of thinking, moral values, as well as its historical and cultural backgrounds. In these laws, the values of a country's sovereignty, history and nationalism are even more emphasized. However, we must note that the legal development of a country is never implemented in an isolated and confined manner. Despite the differences in the legal systems of civil societies, there must be some human values in common. In the course of mutual communication and influences between different countries, commonly shared values, concepts and legal principles gradually emerge, in particular, those concerning the pursuit of equality and justice as well as the recognition and protection of human rights. These values and principles serve as the legal basis and prerequisites for the realization of more intensive exchanges of expertise and cooperation in the common pursuit of criminal justice amongst human societies.

Today, the convention of the 10 th ACPF World Conference aims to let different countries step closer to each other and find the pathway to cooperation and concerted development within their common principles and values, in the context of mutual respect and recognition of discrepancies in their legal systems.

We notice that in the process of the implementation of a market-based economy and globalization of world economies, there has been an increase in mutual economic dependence within different countries. No countries or regions can be isolated from others in the process of development. Nowadays, organized crime, drugs, smuggling, money laundering, terrorism and corruption tend to be more and more internationalized. In such context, no countries or regions can stay isolated from others in their combat against these crimes. We must have a clear understanding about the scenario and be fully prepared.

Crimes are the public enemy of a civilized society, the extreme form of defiance and destruction of social order and a challenge to the judicial system as well. In the face of all forms of transborder crimes, which are becoming more and more rampant, a country that depends merely on its own law enforcement efforts may find itself facing jurisdictional and geographical limitations, thus feeling the lack of power in fighting such crimes. We must set aside the differences and national pride reflected in our legal systems which, to a certain extent, are an obstacle to the development of judicial cooperation in the combat against transborder crimes. We must look from the perspective of similarities in our common pursuit of legal values and analyze all possibilities for achieving justice in the legislation of criminal laws and in the administration of criminal justice; As we all share a common call for fighting crimes, we must strive to achieve reciprocity in the implementation of mutual legal assistance. The UN Convention on the Combat against Transnational Crimes provides practical guidelines for the establishment of judicial cooperation in criminal matters. By setting up interactive mechanisms based on these guidelines, law enforcers of different regions can rapidly carry out concerted operations, reducing the chances for delay and saving complicated procedures. This marks that international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime has advanced into a new phase. And this is a very good example of solving disagreement through negotiations with the aim of achieving cooperation. Therefore, I believe that in the face of all challenges to human civilization posed by crimes, we must, first of all, be well equipped with our legal instruments. Through negotiations, we must sign and accede to international conventions on criminal matters so as to make full use of these as guidance for amendments and improvements in our criminal laws; Secondly, we must be well prepared in terms of our judicial organizations, i.e. to be equipped with an efficacious judicial organization ready for the implementation of smooth cooperation with other countries; Lastly, we must strengthen cooperation and networking amongst different jurisdictions. I believe this conference will surely provide us with beneficial experience in solving the problems we are facing.

My guests and friends,

Macao, as a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, implements the principles of “One Country Two Systems” “Macao people governing Macao” and “high degree of autonomy”, as stipulated by the Basic Law. In enjoys independent prosecution powers and final adjudication powers. The Public Prosecutions Office of the Macao SAR, as a judicial organ, bears the responsibility of prosecuting crimes. It has as its top priorities the punishment of crimes and uphold of the rule of law. It is its undeniable duty to safeguard regional stability and foster cooperation and contacts between Macao and its neighboring regions.

Finally, once again to all delegates from different countries and regions, I express my hearty welcome. I feel very much honored in having the opportunity to host this international event. To the support and trust of the ACPF, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.

I sincerely wish a great success to the conference and hope all delegates have a happy stay in Macao.

Thank you.