The event attracted more than 1,000 renowned optical experts from 38 countries and regions.

On the opening ceremony, ICO President Rene Dandliker said the current congress will play a big role in the exchange and development of the world optics science.

Many world famous scientists, including Nobel Prize laureate Charles H. Townes, and some winners of the ICO Prize and of the ICO Galileo Awards, are expected to give lectures.

The ICO was founded in 1947. The congress is held every three years. China, which joined the commission in 1987, is the first developing country to host the congress.

During the five-day congress, an optoelectronic expo will be held simultaneously.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2005)