I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to our conference on
"Modernizing our Financial System: Challenges for the new Millennium". I would also
like to express our deep appreciation for the distinguished speakers who came all the
way from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, and South Africa to share with us their
expertise and knowledge on this very important topic. And, of course, to the World
Bank, our co-host, for help organizing the conference.