Over the past few decades, tremendous achievements have been made in the field of membrane technology for water and wastewater treatment.Currently, membranes are opening new era for wastewater treatment and water reuse, become the most economical technology to desalinate brackish and seawater, and are an important technology that can provide "absolute" barrier to protect public health when treating water for drinking quality. With a huge potential market for membrane technology,China has become one of the most active countries in scientific research and industrial applications in this field.

As membrane technologies are relatively new processes, the exchange of information and cross-collaboration between experts, scientists and practitioners are fundamental necessity to develop membrane processes, advance membrane treatment and widely spread knowledge on how to benefit people in all parts of the world by having access to basic as well as in-depth expert knowledge and global experience.

Following Moscow (2008), Istanbul (2010), Buenos Aires (2012) and Ho Chi Minh City (2014), Kunming City will be the meeting point for the 5th IWA Regional Conference on Membrane Technology in 2016. We sincerely invite you to Kunming to participate in this conference. This event will again provide a platform for participants to present results of the latest research, share industrial experiences, exchange opinions,and to expand horizons in the development of membrane technologies.It will also facilitate strengthening close professional linkages among membrane communities and water professionals.

Kunming, a "City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant climate and flowers that bloom all year long, will welcome you. We look forward to meeting you in Spring City in late August 2016. With you and all the members of the organizing committee and the international scientific committee, we will make this conference a great success.