Ladies, Gentlemen, and Dear Friends: Good Morning.
    It’s my honor and pleasure to welcome you here today in Zhengzhou for this gathering of all our worldwide friends in the synthetic diamond industry. We dedicate “The 5th Zhengzhou International Conference on Superhard Materials and Related Products” to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the birth of China’s synthetic diamond industry. On behalf of the China Machine Tool & Tool Builders' Association (CMTBA), I would like to extend my warm welcome to all our associates from all over the world and sincere congratulations on this conference.
    45 years ago, great support was given to Chinese scientists from the national leaders and various ministries and commissions. Because of this the Chinese scientists overcame numerous difficulties and successfully developed a set of equipment and technology for diamond synthesis which enabled the birth of the synthetic diamond industry in China! After 4 years, cubic boron nitride (CBN) was developed. These significant scientific achievements were historical in China’s scientific development which then turned a new splendid age for the rapid development of superhard materials. Now our superhard material industry has emerged as a complete and envied industrial system, which includes synthetic diamond, cubic boron nitride, and various quality tools. This has not only initiated the revolutionary reforms in the traditional processing technology, but also has promoted the rapid rise and booming development of various sectors such as stone, construction, machinery, electronics, and Military etc. The Chinese superhard material industry has made considerable contributions to the development of the national economy as well as the international superhard material industry and its users!  
    In 45 years, the Chinese superhard material industry has developed from only an idea and being insignificant to now being not only significant but a recognized up and coming leader in the field. Our history proves that the invention of the cubic press and the imbedded intellectual property have made it possible for the Chinese superhard material industry to develop rapidly. The output of synthetic diamonds made in China accounts for 80% of the world’s total output and that of CBN accounts for over 50%. The product quality has reached or is approaching that of the international advanced standards. Chinese superhard materials and related products are being consumed by an increasing number of international customers. Some international renowned companies are purchasing Chinese cubic presses, and some production technologies and related tool designs are also being referred to. This is a rare phenomenon in Chinese manufacturing history.  
    The development of the Chinese superhard material industry has been influenced by world leaders, guided by industry associations, supported by government institutions, and facilitated by industry scientists, engineers and all the people involved. The remarkable achievements have not only benefited the Chinese manufacturing industries but also the world users. Our friends from different countries gather here today to discuss the future development of our industry. I do hope that each of you could take advantage of this great opportunity for wide-ranging exchanges and co-operations in different aspects such as technology, product, trade, and information etc. I hope all of you will learn from each other's virtues to enhance your abilities. I also hope all of you could make common progress and offer good suggestions for the development of our superhard material industry. Together, we will make more contributions to the prosperity of the world economy.
    I would like to wish all of you my best wishes for a successful conference and visit to the great city of Zhengzhou.