Interpol's Asian Regional Conference opened on March 5, bringing together senior law enforcement officers from 30 countries to discuss methods of enhancing co-operation to combat all forms of transnational crime, including terrorism and child sex tourism.

The conference will focus on the need for law enforcement officers to make better use of technology, in particular extending access to Interpol's global databases beyond the National Central Bureaux (NCBs) to all law enforcement officers working throughout Interpol member countries.

Addressing the participants, the Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Public Security, Mr Meng Hongwei, emphasised the need for all countries and regions to work together.

"As a result of globalisation of regional economy, countries in the same region often share issues of common interest when dealing with transnational crime. Co-operation therefore is essential and imperative," said Vice-Minister Meng.

Highlighting the regional successes of Operations Soga - tackling illegal soccer gambling, and Jupiter Southeast Asia - targeting pharmaceutical counterfeiting, Interpol Secretary General Ronald K Noble said that while the rate of information exchange had greatly increased, member countries needed to remain steadfast in their commitment to continued co-operation both at the regional and global levels.

"The reality of policing in the 21st century is that any major investigation should include the consultation of regional and global databases. The days of thinking that we can thoroughly investigate serious crime using national resources alone are behind us," said Mr Noble.

"The imminent linking of ASEANAPOL's database to Interpol's secure global communication system, I-24/7, connecting 186 member countries will significantly assist police forces in Asia to identify crucial leads in their major international investigations that they otherwise might miss," he added.

Looking ahead to the Beijing Olympic Games, Acting Chief Executive, Mr Henry Tang, said it was an exciting time for the country and the people of Hong Kong.

"It is also an enormous challenge for our law enforcement agencies as we shoulder the duty of looking after the safety of athletes, VIPs, spectators and visitors from around the world. Undoubtedly we will co-operate with our law enforcement colleagues throughout the region to make sure everything goes smoothly," he noted.

Nearly 120 delegates from Asia, South Pacific and Middle East are attending the three-day conference, which marks more than 40 years of co-operation between member countries in the region since the first Asian Regional Conference in Japan in 1967.

The Force is holding the 20th Interpol Asian Regional Conference in the capacity as a sub-bureau of the Interpol NCB, China, at Police Headquarters. Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Commissioner Tang King-shing and Mr Boon Hui Khoo, Interpol Vice-President for Asia.