IMO Sec-Gen Sekimizu is opening the second meeting of heads of maritime administrations of Member States from east Europe and west Asia and a seminar on acceptance and implementation of IMO instruments, hosted by the Government of Bulgaria in Varna, Bulgaria (15 to 17 September). The primary objective of the meeting will be to identify and address barriers to ratification of IMO conventions for the region, as well as the obstacles that hinder progress towards widespread and effective implementation of related measures already agreed internationally or in place for the region. The meeting will also consider ways to promote and develop national and regional maritime policies.