Mr Jan DUBEN Section Director - Section of Harmonization and Communication Services Ministry of Industry and Trade (On behalf of H.E. Mr. Martin Kocourek Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic) The Czech Republic is aware of the fact that the dy-namic development of telecommunications in the modern form of information and communication technologies (ICT) was one of the important fac-tors, which at the end of the 20th century and at the beginning of the 21st century significantly con-tributed to economic growth and the development of a knowledge society worldwide. These technolo-gies should help to reduce the gap between devel-oping and developed countries in the world. An important and irreplaceable role of the ITU in this process is historically indisputable. At the same time, it also means a huge commitment to the future for the ITU, if this organisation wants to continue as a leading power who creates and devel-ops Excellencies, Dear Ministers, Mr. General Secretary, the conditions for the ICT infrastructure build-ing and introduction of services on the principle of Mr President, global standardization with the goal of promot-ing Distinguished Delegates, economic and social development in member states of the ITU. Ladies and Gentlemen, At the beginning of my speech I would like, on behalf of the Government of the Czech Republic, to express my thanks to the Mexican govern-ment In my opinion, at this Plenipotentiary Conference, we are facing very serious decisions on matters that are included in the draft of the Strategic Financial Plan of the ITU for the next four years. During the upcoming negotiations and decisions I consider crucial to always remember the ITU has been and must continue to be a unified entity with common objectives. and representatives of the International Telecommunication Union for the invitation and op-portunity to address a speech at this Plenipotentiary This fact should be reflected e.g. in the establish-ment Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). At the same time I would like to apol-ogize of a long-term stability of the basic docu-ments of the ITU and enhancement of the effi-ciency of knowledge sharing among members of the absence of the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Mr. Martin Kocourek for unforeseen and urgent business reasons which prevented him from his scheduled participation and appearance at this conference. the ITU. This can be achieved by strengthening and wider participation of academia and an increase in the base of sector members and by virtue of more efficient use of results of study works of all ITU sec- 58