On 26th - 28th April CEIR Congress-2007 was held in St.-Petersburg. For the first time the annual congress of the European Committee for the Valve Industry was held in Russia. It was well attended. The list of participants has 120 delegates from 15 countries. Among them were 38 delegates from Russia and 5 delegates from Ukraine.

CEIR Congress has official support of St.-Petersburg Government and Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Vice Governor Mr. Oseevsky took part in General Assembly, as well as Mr. Sheetov, Vice Chairman of Committee for Industrial Development of Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. General sponsors of CEIR Congress were JSC Energomachcomplect, NPF CKBA and Enerpred –Yardos. Sponsors: Tyazhpromarmatura, Penztyazhpromarmatura and PCVEXPO. Valve Industry and Valve World magazines made information support.

CEIR Board meeting was held on 26-th of April. Board members and invitees discussed the work done from previous congress and perspectives on future. Several new working groups were formed in terms of product committees, each dedicated to certain technical issue. It activates strongly the PCs activities. During the meeting it was decided to include Russian representatives in the Board and PC3 Steering Committee.

Next day PC1, PC2 and PC3 meetings were held in Astoria hotel and the General Assembly in Smolny – St.-Petersburg Government headquarter. A new organization of product committees was approved and new designations were made. Minutes of the meetings will come soon.

In PC3 meeting agenda were reports of national associations about economic situation in their countries. Among others, NPAA President Mr. Makarov presented a Russian economic report. Ms. Medvedeva, director of PCVEXPO, made a presentation of International Forum ‘Pumps. Compressors. Valves’. Mr. Airiev, NPAA Vice president, asked CEIR to make support to NPAA proposal and start work on elaboration of EC Directive draft on Safety of Pipeline Valves. Those present showed a strong interest.

General Assembly starts with report of CEIR President Mr. Bonomi. He spoke about the new geo-economy map, metals and raw materials market, European Union and Russia. He marked a reach participation of NPAA delegates and assured that the Russian association of valves manufacturers, would give an important and appreciated contribution to the growth of CEIR and the European valves community. Vice Governor Mr. Oseevsky made a welcome speech, greeting the European valve manufacturers in Saint Petersburg.

PC1, PC2 and PC3 presidents made reports of activities. NPAA Executive Director Mr. Ter-Mateosyants made a presentation on Russian valve market. Guest speaker Mr. Vvedensky made a presentation of Katherine Palace of Tsarskoye Selo, followed by video film. Mr. Carne, VMA president, made a welcome speech and spoke about US valve market.

At the request of several companies the CEIR Board and General Assembly have decided to offer companies, whose national association is not a member of CEIR, the opportunity to join CEIR and become active in one of the product committees. Alteration, made to CEIR Statutes, was approved.

After some common items, like accounts, budget on next year and membership fee, the reelection of CEIR president was made. Jean Claude Cennac, Velan SAS, was unanimously elected as CEIR President. He addressed to delegates with his first opening speech.

Final event was Gala Dinner in Yusupov Palace. Guests were highly impressed with its rich decorated interiors, Russian classic and folk music and cuisine.

All CEIR Congress delegates marked a high level of preparation and excellent organization of this remarkable event.

Some delegates opinions:

‘This is developing into the best CEIR meeting, which I have attended in fifteen or so years. Congratulations to organizers’: - Gil Richards, Richards Industries.

‘First of all I would like to thank you for your kind hospitality in St Petersburg and the excellent organization of the CEIR Congress, which my wife and I have really enjoyed’: - Sjef Roymans, Valve World.