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2002 FIDIC Conference Welcome
Address by Luis Salazar
Chair, Conference Organizing Committee

Dear FIDIC colleagues and friends,

Welcome to Mexico and welcome to the State of Guerrero. In no other location of this continent ancient history and tradition joins the day-to-day life of a developing nation, full of contrasts, economic growth potential and expectations for development.

It is with great pleasure that we greet the FIDIC family in our country wishing that, after your stay, you may return home with some new knowledge, renewed professional insights and a taste of Mexico's joy, warmth and friendship.

The word "Acapulco" evokes the image of paradise in the Pacific and a place where nature and the ocean meet. Acapulco is a romantic old city with first-class restaurants, shops, museums and hotels that have forged an international reputation in a recreational atmosphere. With its warm climate, fresh sea breezes and a sky full of sunshine, Acapulco always leaves visitors with long-lasting memories. Its bays, beaches, lagoons and ocean provide numerous opportunities to enjoy, in harmony with nature, Mexico's ancient traditions and modern lifestyle.

Overlooking one of the most beautiful bays of the Mexican Pacific, Acapulco, founded by the Spaniards in the XVI century, was the major trade link with the Orient during more than 300 years. During the 1940's former President Miguel Alemán guaranteed Acapulco's prime position by developing the first tourist complex in the country. Later on hotels, infrastructure and Hollywood stars arrived and transformed the city into a lively place with 700,000 inhabitants and one of the world's well-known resorts.

The Organizing Committee has prepared a great conference programme. We feel honoured that CNEC Mexico was selected to organize this event and we have done our greatest to make it a memorable occasion for everyone. The business programme has been organized around very relevant topics to the current challenges and opportunities faced today by our industry. The program for FIDIC 2002 has been structured to allow you to participate and interact with your colleagues exploring the issues of capacity building and integrity management so that, together, we may find some answers and think of new and creative ways. In addition, an exciting social programme has been planned that will allow you to enjoy a stimulating place such as Acapulco and a very special venue, the Fairmont Acapulco Princess Hotel.

I am sure that you will enjoy your stay and will feel invited to return to Mexico, again and again. "Bienvenidos"