2. The Vice-Chair of the World Forum, Mr. Erario, welcomed the representatives to the World Forum and introduced the opening speakers: H.E. Mr. Marco Arzilli, the Minister of Industry, Handicraft, Trade, Transport and Research of San Marino and Mr. Yongseog Kim, the Director General of the Motor Transport Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea. The Vice-Chair indicated the absence of the Chair of the World Forum, Mr. Kisulenko, due to medical reasons and that following the rules of procedures of WP.29, he would chair the 169th session.

3. In his opening statement, H.E. Mr. Marco Arzilli stated that San Marino is honoured and pleased to be part of the Community of the United Nations and to participate at the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). He reminded the World Forum that San Marino has a history of 1,715 years and, as such, is the oldest Republic in the world, stressing that it is ready to face this new challenge with the awareness of the great responsibility that derives from the UNECE agreements in this field. H.E. Mr. Arzilli emphasized that San Marino wants to convert this responsibility into constant attention and continuous updates, and that the Republic’s contribution to these international contexts will be always based on this precise commitment. Finally, His Excellency highlighted San Marino’s maximum availability to discuss and collaborate with each member country of UNECE, and declared that San Marino will be a strong and devoted supporter of the United Nations Programme on “Road Safety” (safer roads) and of all the initiatives related to environmental protection, sustainable transport and the increase of the safety systems in vehicle production.

4. The Director General of Motor Vehicles Management Bureau of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Yongseog Kim, stated that the Republic of Korea has actively participated in the establishment and amendments of UN Regulations and UN GTRs in the framework of activities of WP.29. He further underlined its role of Vice-Chair in GRSP sessions since 2013 and its chairmanship of two Informal Working Groups (IWG) on “Vehicle Indoor Air Quality” and “Panoramic Sunroof Glazing”.

5. He particularly indicated that Republic of Korea suggested expanding the application of safety-belt warning devices from the current driving seat to all seats at the GRSP expert meeting in December 2014. The suggestion, backed by concerted efforts of France, Japan and the European Commission, have resulted in the agreement at the GRSP meeting in May 2016, and a proposal for submission to the November 2016 session of WP.29. He also reminded WP.29 that his country will request an authorization to develop an amendment to UN GTR No. 9 on evaluation methods concerning active device for pedestrian protection during the current session of the Administrative Committee of the 1998 Agreement (AC.3) and asked for support from representatives. He also indicated the intention of his country to actively participate in the development of the second phase of a UN GTR on hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

6. He informed WP.29 that Republic of Korea had been monitoring international trends on the establishment of international standards on autonomous vehicles and relevant technological development within Intelligent Transport Systems – Automated Driving (ITS-AD) IWG and in the same time is actively participating to the ITS-AD IWG. He added that his Government established “plans for commercialization of autonomous vehicles” in the first half of 2015 to support commercialization of autonomous cars and development of relevant technologies and standards.

7. According to this plan, its Government will actively work on various fields such as research and development for autonomous vehicle and its technologies, improving legal systems for allowing test-driving and improving communication-infrastructures and digital maps. He stated that the Republic of Korea is well aware that activities for enhancing automobile safety are carried out by discussion and international consensus at WP.29, the most prestigious international forum in the automotive sector.

8. Finally, he underlined that his country is ready to contribute to improving international standards on autonomous vehicles. As the Director General of Motor Vehicles Management Bureau of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, responsible for automobile safety and relevant systems and policies of Republic of Korea, he stated that his country is ready to play bigger roles in various fields being discussed at WP.29 and receive cooperation and support in this endeavour.