The 16th World Congress of Accountants opened Tuesday morning at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition center. Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji officiated the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

The Chinese government has attached great importance to the development of the accounting profession, and has made unremitting efforts in the building of the accounting system, the making of auditing rules and the training of professionals in this area, said Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji.

The premier said as an area that was opened quite early to the outside world, China's accounting will become even more open in the future.

Accountants and investors from around the world are welcome to bring their talent into greater play in China and seek greater career expansion by taking advantage of China's vigor and vitality, he said.

Premier Zhu Rongji arrived in Hong Kong by special plane at Monday afternoon. Part of Zhu's entourage arrived aboard the same plane with the premier. Minister of Finance Xiang Huaicheng and Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council Xu Shaoshi had arrived in Hong Kong earlier.

The congress, organized by the Hong Kong Society of Accountants with the theme on Knowledge-based Economy and the Accountant, is the first World Congress of Accountants to be held in China. Over 5,000 delegates from about 100 countries and regions have attended this event.

Held every five years since 1904, the World Congress of Accountants provides a unique forum for the international accountancy and business communities to share information and exchange views on the latest issues of the profession.

(Edited by china.org.cn from Xinhua November 19, 2002)