The 42nd Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation for the Asia and Pacific Region opened on the Gold Coast of Australia's state of Queensland Monday.

The five-day conference attracts more than 260 delegates, including senior officials from more than 36 countries in the Asia-Pacific, along with senior representatives from government and aviation regulatory authorities and industry bodies.

The theme for the 2005 conference is "Challenges and Opportunities: Working together to manage growth, change and the emerging environment." "It is an honor for Australia to host this important aviation conference. This is only the third time our country has hosted this event," said Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss, who officially opened the conference, in a statement.

A wide range of aviation policy issues including safety regulation in the Asia-Pacific Region will be discussed at the conference.

Topics for discussion include aviation safety, aviation security, air transport, air navigation and planning including aerodrome operational planning, communications, navigation and surveillance and air traffic management.

The conference is convened by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The event moves to a different location each year and is an opportunity for the host nation to not only showcase its aviation interests, but also to provide a cultural experience for delegates,according to the statement.

Australia last hosted the conference in 1983.

Source: Xinhua