The 5th World Water Forum has been commenced from March 16 to 22, 2009 in the largest Turkish city of Istanbul. On the invitation of Mr. Veysel EROGLU, Turkish Minister of Environment and Forestry, Mr. Chen Lei, Minister of Water Resources, attended this big water event as the head of the Chinese delegation formed by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and China Meteorological Administration.

During this forum, Minister Chen will attend the special session on Extraordinary Natural Disasters and Risk Management of Water Infrastructures organized by Chinese Ministry of Water Resources, Special Session of Irrigation and Asian-Pacific Day etc and shall deliver speeches. Meanwhile, Minister Chen will hold talks with leaders of water departments in other countries as well as international organizations.

Simultaneously, in the spell of this forum, the Chinese expert and water business mission organized by Ministry of water resources will attend special sessions and the World Water Expo to publicize achievements made in water development and introduce new technologies and products manufactured by Chinese enterprises.