Message from the president

Dear Colleagues,

Chuc mung den Ha Noi va tham gia Hoi nghi! (Welcome to Hanoi and to the Congress!)

The XVIIIth Regional ISBT Congress, Asia, is being held in the beautiful city of Hanoi, Vietnam. It is a wonderful opportunity to visit this country, which has a long history of more than four thousand years, but which was reunited just thirty years ago. It will also be fascinating to observe developments in the field of blood transfusion in this part of the world.

With the combined help of the great many staff under his steady hand, Congress President Professor Tri has made this event possible and enjoyable, and I am very grateful to him. I extend my thanks as well to all the others who have cooperated to make this congress so smooth and seamless. We are, of course, also indebted to all the many sponsors, without whom this congress would simply not be possible.

The Local Organizing Committee in Hanoi and the International Scientific Committee have united their efforts to arrange a highly attractive programme. Thanks to them, recent advances in transfusion medicine and related sciences, and essential topics and problems relevant to emerging countries are being tackled in the Congress. I am sure that you will appreciate and enjoy the scientific forums composed of educational programmes, symposia, plenaries, and other concurrent sessions. Although the temperature outside will be not so warm in November, I sincerely anticipate hot discussion inside the venue.

It will be a very comfortable and interesting few days in Hanoi, particularly for any members who hope to escape from wintry climes. It is a great opportunity for everyone to make and renew international friendships as well as to experience Vietnamese culture, including warm hospitality. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the delegates from over the world, who invariably contribute to the success of this Congress.

I look forward to meeting everyone in Hanoi.

Shigeru Takamoto President, ISBT