79. The representative of India, Mr. S. Marathe, announced his upcoming retirement and recalled the beginning of India’s participation in WP.29 and acknowledged the progress that had enabled the accession by his country to the 1998 Agreement. As Vice-Chair of GRPE, he wished for a continued cooperation and introduced his successor, Mrs. R. Urdhwareshe. Speaking on behalf of all delegates, the Chair wished Mr. Marathe a long and happy retirement and welcomed his successor.

80. Learning that Mr. M. Sakai (Japan) would no longer participate in the work of WP.29, the World Forum acknowledged his active contributions to the activities of WP.29 and its subsidiary Working Parties. WP.29 wished him all the best and success in his new responsibilities.

81. Mr. Juan Ramos-Garcia (Chief of Section of the UNECE Vehicle Regulations and Transport Innovations Section (VRTIS)) informed WP.29 about his upcoming retirement at the end of June 2014. WP.29 wished all the best to Mr. Ramos who was the Secretary for the last eleven years. The Chair thanked him cordially for all his efforts as well as his outstanding personal commitment and contributions to the global recognition of WP.29’s activities. Expressing the opinion of all members, the Vice-Chair thanked Mr. Ramos and wished him all the best for a long and happy retirement. The World Forum honoured him with a long-standing ovation. Mr. Ramos thanked the WP.29 delegates and wished a continued successful future to WP.29. He recalled the challenges of his section and thanked his colleagues in VRTIS who would carry on the secretarial work. On behalf of WP.29, the representative of IMMA awarded Mr. Ramos with a commemorative photograph of the session’s participants.