 In 1883, the Kingdom of Siam, present-day Thailand joined the International Telecommunication Union, or ITU, the world's oldest international organization. We realized the forthcoming benefits of widespread expansion of communications and modernization equal to that of other countries, as well as the focus on spectrum management for communications. In 1992, Thailand was selected as a location for the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. It is much easier to collaborate in terms of academic and personnel development. Besides, Thailand is also an ITU base to render assistance to other member countries in the region. Thailand was honored to host ITU Telecom Asia 2008, where various ITU member countries had participated. November 18, 2013, Thailand hosted the Connect Asia Pacific Summit. And continuously, from November 19 to 23, 2013, Thailand was also entrusted with the hosting of ITU Telecom World 2013 in Bangkok again. Under the theme of Embracing Change in a Digital World, the exhibition focused on exchanging experiences, knowledge, innovations, and the latest technologies in the IT industry. The event was organized at Impact Challenger Hall, Mung Tang Thani, where a number of distinguished guests and key players in ICT businesses from all over the world attended. Thailand possesses high potentiality, modern facilities, numbers of world-class experienced organizers, and warm hospitality of the Thai people. And this year, Thailand is appointed to host ITU Telecom World 2016 under the theme of Collaborating in the Digital Economy. This exhibition will be the main international platform for demonstrating the efficiency and the progress of both communication technologies and telecommunications. This will be a good opportunity for sharing and exchanging knowledge and exploring business partnership as well. The theme for ITU Telecom World 2016, Collaborating in the Digital Economy, fits perfectly with the prevailing global trend in social and economic development. For Thailand, I'm pleased to say that we are moving ahead to comprehensively implement our national digital economy policy in various sectors. In doing so, we have placed great importance to promoting collaboration and partnership in both local and international communities. Collaboration is indeed crucial to achieving the full potential of the interconnected global digital economy. This is also reflected in the main goal of the ITU Telecom World 2016 to accelerate social and economic progress through innovative ICT solutions, but with a special focus on the SMEs and their role in the digital economy. I am confident that the event will offer an excellent opportunity for consultation, exchanges of ideas, as well as networking and exploring partnerships. The government of Thailand and the people of Thailand are looking forward, with great pleasure, to only welcoming you to the ITU Telecom World 2016 in Bangkok. See you then! Thailand has committed to promote the digital economy policy, which will significantly expand and enhance the digital communication infrastructure, platform, products, and service. Coincidentally, ITU set up the theme of ITU World 2016 on collaborating in the digital economy. Therefore, we are honored to host the ITU Telecom World 2016 that recognizes the importance of digital economy. It will be a very special event where we can exchange and share ideas, knowledge, and experience in order to develop the ICT industry and at the same time promote SMEs and startups. I am confident that ITU Telecom World 2016 will offer an important opportunity to move towards the goals of digital Thailand for the government and people of Thailand, as well as for the Southeast Asian region and the rest of the world. Hope to see you at ITU Telecom World 2016 in November 14 to 17, 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand. ITU Telecom World 2016, a unique international platform for influential figures from government and industry to connect with startups and digital entrepreneurs in the ICT sector to exhibit and explore partnership solutions, investment opportunities, shared ideas, and best practices. Now, we are ready and with the warmest pleasure to welcome you all at ITU Telecom World 2016 will be held at Impact Challenger Hall, Mung Tang Thani during 14 to 17 November, 2016.