Message from Mr. Liu Liqing, Postmaster General of State Post Bureau, China

1999 is the start year for State Post Bureau and the first year of China Post running as a self-financing operator, which is a milestone in China's postal services history. In 1999, we accomPlished the restructuring of post orgnizations nationwide and basically established a complete and independent operational system responsive to the requirements of matet economy. During this year, China Post achvely engaged in new-service opening, sped up infrastructure construction, constantly improved services, strengthened management, further Promoted reforms, fulfilled and exceeded the three major targets set down at the year beginning, scored record business performance, made the start year a success and laid a solid foundahon for achieving zero-deficit within three years. Also, we successfully hosted the 22nd UPU Congress, the World Philatelic Exhibition and international Postal Technological Exhibition, which produced profound impact on the development of China Post, enhanced the posihon of China Post both at home and abroad, presented a brand-new look of China Post and expanded the communication between China Post and posts worldwide. This year is an eventful year rich in accomplishments. Meanwhile, it is a year exploring post modehazation. Through research and Practice, we recognize that to promote post modemizahon, we have to grow economic results while combatted to social results and put reform and technological renovation further while remaining industrious, enterPrising and Ptachcal.

Year 2000, the last year of the national Ninth Five-year plan is critical for China Post to eliminate loss within three years. A triumphant 2000 is of great significance for Post services in China to maintain a sustainable, rapid and healthy development and to embrace the Zlst centUry with a new image.

At Present, the pace of economic globalization coupled with China's entry into WTO is speeding up bringing both OPPorLtUnities and challenges to post. Skyrocketing development made in science and technology, while imposing pressure on post, however, animates post. Reforms and transformation state-owned enterprises are experiencing have staged into the critical point, providing opportllnihes for post development and on the other hand driving make-ends-meet more imperative. Aforementioned factors keenly concern the post growth. Therefore, in the process of achieving cross-century developmental goals set for China Post, we have to know well and addre the situahon faced by post after entering the 21st century and work out objechve and practical development strstegy so as to advance in a way suitable for China Post.

China Post, upon its ushering into the new century, will further liberalize its mind, transform its thinking, adapt to the global developmental tendency and endeavor to explore and build post modernization. In the days to come, China Post will by all means execute a series of strategies on Separation of Regulator and operator; Specializahon of Services; Universal Service concentrated on provision of quality and standard service; Conunercialization of Business operation; Post Growing Abreast With Science and Technology aimed at improving efficiency an ptofitallility of post operahon; Human Resource concentrated on establishing "management force, professional force and marketing force" and Joint Development both at home and abroad.

"I wllll probe into the long way ahead". China post. with a history of three thousand years, has made indelible contribution to economic and social evoluhon and will continue to pursue self-develoPInellt. I am firmly confident that China Post with the unity, dedication, industriousness and determinahon of all postal staff and managers acroes China is sure to fulfill the three major goals: an business tllrnover of Y42 bn in 2000, up 13.6% over last year; a reduction in deficit to below Y 3.5 bn; and an increase of 17.5% in the overall productivity.