Beijing, China, November 29, 2009 – The inaugural AVC Secretary General meeting was held from 27-28 in Beijing with 22 National Federations participating. FIVB President Jizhong Wei was invited to make a speech at the opening session of the meeting.

AVC President Dr. Saleh Bin Nasser said the aim of the meeting is to raise the level of Asian Volleyball and Beach Volleyball as quick as possible so as to narrow the gap with the world elite teams; to implement Mass Volley strategies earnestly and to organize AVC events better.

The AVC President stressed that with the FIVB new philosophy being put into practice, we in AVC must seize the golden opportunity to assume more responsibility and work more hard to make the sport in Asia to a high level.

FIVB President Mr. Wei in his speech noted that "The key of FIVB new orientation is to give more responsibility and necessary financial support to Confederations and National Federations. We must pay more attention to Confederations and we are not afraid to see stronger Confederations. FIVB this year received good financial report. The money in FIVB must be used to develop Volleyball and we do not wish to keep them in the bank. FIVB wish to share the benefit with Confederations and National Federations. The allocations to Confederations has doubled this year and next year FIVB will increase further this kind of allocations."

The FIVB president went on to say "AVC is also facing new challenge and must decide to use the money correctly. If not, then we'll delay the payment to Confederations. We provide necessary financial to NFs in category I and II so as make them to take part in FIVB activities and organize competitions possible. However, all the support to National Federations must be through Confederations, who will control the distribution of the money. And National Federation should inform and consult with Confederations."

Mr. Wei noted "We have to change concept. New things need new concept. Now you have the power and responsibility, and money as well. I wish AVC be more creative."

Mr. Shanrit Wongprasert, Chairman of AVC Sports Events Council, presented the meeting "Asian Volleyball Manual (draft 1)",  which Mr. Shanrit said "This is the guideline for organizers of AVC competitions."

AVC SEC Chairman elaborated in details what the organizer of AVC Championship must fulfill and implement, the duties of National organizing Committee members, the duties of AVC officials, and forms required for AVC competitions.

Mr. Andrew Hercus, Secretary of AVC Beach Volley Council, told the attendants that "Asian Beach Volleyball Handbook (draft 1) " is a guide to the hosting the Asian Beach Volleyball tournaments with the aim to develop beach volleyball among member federations of the AVC.

Mr. Hercus also explained to the meeting the AVC draft qualification process for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Mr. Guy Horne, Director of IEC in Sports in his report "Marketing and TV for Asian Volleyball and Beach Volleyball"  said AVC and IEC in Sports have a log-term cooperation to develop and enhance the media visibility of Asian Volleyball." "TV can play important role as television reaches the widest audience possible, and almost over 250 million households viewed the 2009 Asian Women's and Men's Senior Volleyball Championships. We are available to provide advice and support to all member national associations," he added.

The attendants from the 22 AVC member federations expressed their satisfaction for AVC to organize this kind of meeting and listen to the advice, suggestions and comments from national federations and hope AVC to make this meeting as routine one.

Dr. Nasser said the meeting was very fruitful and helpful as "we heard directly from you your opinions. You also made good proposals which AVC B/A meeting will certainly discuss them with attention."

The AVC President promised that AVC will organize the Secretary General meeting in the future, maybe once every two years, and discuss with other members on the issues facing AVC.