NEAR news vol.47 (ENG)

NEAR

News

NEAR Leading the Era of Northeast Asia 2012. 9-10

Vol. 47 Delgerkhangai mountain, Dornogobi Province

Special Contribution Greeting Message from the 10th NEAR Chair NEAR This Month NEAR Activities / Secretariat News / NEAR Member News Feature Report A New Trial of the Local Autonomy System - The Union of Kansai Government NEAR Member Tour A City of Water and Canal - Liaocheng Shi

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

NEAR News News” was launched in 2005 to serve as messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information.

The “NEAR “NEAR bi-monthly “NEAR News” bi-monthly News” was was launched launched in in 2005 2005 to to serve serve as as aa messenger between between NEAR NEAR member member regions regions and and promote promote sharing sharing of of information. information. The The bi-monthly News” was launched in 2005 to serve as aa messenger messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information.

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Vol. 47

Yellow River Ecology Culture Zone (Liaocheng Shi, Shandong Province)

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NEAR is... an international organization founded in Sept. 1996 in Gyeongju, South Korea by 29 regional governments in four Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia.

Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and trade, education & cultural exchanges, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, tourism, ocean & fisheries, Mineral Resources Development and Coordination, Energy and Climate Change, Women and Children, Bio-medical Industry to Agriculture.

Today, with the participation of North Korea and Mongolia and the accession of new member governments, NEAR encompasses 71 member regions in six countries as an organization representing Northeast Asia dedicated to regional diplomacy & cooperation.

NEAR is open to all.

Any local government located in the Northeast Asian region sharing the founding purpose of NEAR can join us through the NEAR General Assembly.

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

Special Contribution

Greeting Message from the 10th NEAR Chair

Special Contribution Greeting Message from the 10th NEAR Chair I extend my greetings to all the members of the Association of North East Asia Regional Governments (NEAR).

It is said that it was the era of the West including Europe until the mid-20th century, but we can say that now is the era of Asia because Asia is emerging as the pivot of world economy and culture, transferred from the West.

In particular, many Northeast Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea are at the epicenter of that trend. In Northeast Asia live one quarter of world’s population. Northeast Asia has grown as the mega economic bloc, which accounts for half of the world trade volume, and 24% of world’s total volume of GDP. In addition, it has abundant minerals and forest resources including coals, natural gas, and oil. It also has wide hill areas, which are regarded as the best places for food production. The regional government’s competitiveness is the national competitiveness and it may apply to any other Park Joon-yung Governor, Jeollanam-do Provincial Government, Republic of Korea Chair, the Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

countries in the world.

To enhance the competitiveness of regional governments, we should differentiate various resources in each region, thus making them a driving force for regional development and seek the co-prosperity through regional cooperation. In this respect, I believe that many results that NEAR, which was launched in 1996, achieved in various fields such as economy, tourism, culture, agriculture and fisheries, and environment, should be highly evaluated. I hope for more active exchanges between member regional governments so that the knowledge and experiences that each regional government accumulates can contribute to the regional and national development, and furthermore the coprosperity of North East Asia. Currently, the biggest issues that humankind faces are food and energy problems. We should not avoid solving these issues for the survival of and the sustainable development of humankind. All countries in the world and international organizations such as UN are exerting many efforts. But as they are the common problems of humanity, we all need to put together our heads. I identified the possibility of solving them while I have been serving as the Governor, Jeollanam-do Provincial Government.

Jeollanam-do Province has clean air and water, and warm climate. Along with this, it has world-class marine resources such as around 2,000 islets, the 6,100km-long coastline, the sandbar of 1,000㎢. In addition, it has the highest amount of sunshine nationwide, and the coast has the regular wind speed and wind direction. As it has shallow water depth, the province meets the most suitable qualification requirements to produce the renewable energy. By taking advantage of these resources, we are promoting the projects related to environmentally-friendly agriculture, renewable energy, and offshore management.

As of today, 8 years since I have served as a governor, Jeollanam-do Province is producing 61% of organic and nonagricultural pesticide agriculture, and 51% of the environment friendly marine products. 25% of the renewable energy is also generated from Jeollanam-do Province. With regard to the wind-power, the project to build the sea wind-power test-bed complex for generating 5GW is being promoted.

I will do my utmost with the Secretariat of NEAR and every member regional government so that all the wisdom gained through these projects by Jeollanam-do Province can contribute to develop the region in Northeast Asia, and to resolve the food and energy challenges. Looking forward to the unwavering interests in and support to NEAR, I wish the eternal prosperity of all members.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 47

NEAR Activities / Secretariat News

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities The 1st Sub-Committee on Energy & Climate Change held The 1st Sub-Committee on Energy & Climate

The Sub-Committee on Cross-border Cooperation Scheduled for November 7-9 in Irkutsk City The Sub-Committee on Cross-border Cooperation will be held in Irkutsk city between November 7

Change was held in the EXCO, Daegu between

and 9 under the theme of “The Role of Cross-border Cooperation for the Development of the

October 9-11, participated by more than 40

Northeast Asian Regions.” This Sub-Committee includes various thematic meetings for the measures

people from 21 organizations in 4 countries,

to activate the cross-border regions and culture programs in Baikal.

under the theme of “Energy and climate change cooperation among NEAR members.” This SubCommittee was a meaningful venue to share the results that Daegu City has achieved as a ‘solar

■ Contact

■ Date: November 7-9 (Wed. Fri.)

Economy Development Section, Industry Departent, Irkutsk Region

city’ and to seek the common resolution of the various issues that each regional government faces, thus strengthening the cooperation and mutual assistance among members.

E-mail

o.sherstova@govirk.ru

Fax

■ Schedule

Date

Olga Sherstova 7 (3952) 256235

Contact

■ Venue: Irkutsk City

7 (3952) 256235

Schedule

Day 1 (Nov. 7)

Check-in, Welcome Reception

Day 2 (Nov. 8)

Sub-Committee Meeting

Day 3 (Nov. 9)

Culture & Tourism Program

NEAR Secretariat Korean, English

Contact

Chinese

Japanese

Mongolian

Russian

Kim, Sung-hyun

Lee, Hye-jung

Choi, Soo-gyoo

Khisigjargal

Choi, Kyoung-nam

82-54-223-2318

82-54-223-2320

82-54-223-2317

82-54-223-2384

82-54-223-2319

neargov @gmail.com

cham0284 @gmail.com

s.g-c @hotmail.com

hi_hishgee @yahoo.com

rudska76 @hanmail.net

E-mail Fax

82-54-223-2307

The 1st Sub-Committee on Energy & Climate Change

Secretariat News 2012 “Han-gang Jung” economy, trade, and culture exchange event between Hubei Province and South Korea

Wang Gwosyeong, Governor of Hubei Province delivering the welcoming remarks in the opening ceremony

NEAR Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo visited Wuhan city between September 19 and 21 to attend the “Han-gang Jung” event by invitation of Hubei Provice, China. The name of the event, “Han-gang Jung” originated

Tian Chengzhong, vice-governor of Hubei Province (Left) and Kim Jae-hyo, NEAR Secretary General (Right) in the opening ceremony

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

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NEAR This Month

Secretariat News

NEAR Concluded Partnership Agreement with AER NEAR delegation including Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo attended the AER General Assembly and the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, France between October 9 and 12. SG Kim discussed ‘the regionalization and democratization in Northeast Asia’ in the World NEAR SG Kim Jae-hyo delivering a presentation in Regional Government Exchange Meeting between Korea and China

Yan Puliu, Director General of Foreign Affairs Office (Left) and Kim Jae-hyo, NEAR SG in the dinner organized by Korean Embassy in China

Forum for Democracy on October 10 and had a time to exchange opinions with representatives of the regional governments in Europe. In addition, he met with Pascal Goergen, AER Secretary General and Michele Sabban, President of AER and discussed their opinions on the cooperation between AER and NEAR, and concluded the Partnership Agreement between AER and NEAR. On 12th, he had a time to broaden his understanding of the AER by attending the AER General Assembly.

Pascal Goergen, AER Secretary General (left) and Kim Jae-hyo, NEAR Secretary General (right) concluding the partnership agreement

SG Kim attended World Local Governments Summit in Jeju NEAR Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo attended World Local Governments Summit between September 4 and 6, which took place in the lead up to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2012 in Jeju. On the first day, Secretary General Kim attended Expert Session and debated In front of the Huanghaolou, the scenic spot in Hubei Province

about climate change, and he attended WCC Opening Ceremony and WCC Welcome Reception on

from the name of the river, “Hang-gang” (or the Han River), which is the

September 6.

same name of the rivers that run in Wuhan city in Hubei Province and in Seoul city in South Korea. The name implies the bond between Hubei Province and South Korea.

The “Han-gang Jung” event was co-organized by Hubei Province and South Korean Embassy in China in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the amity between Korea and China. There were various programs such

2012 Jeju WCC World Local Governments

as an informal gathering for discussion for the cooperation of economy

Summit

and trade between Hubei and Korea, Korean and Chinese Expert Seminar, the 10th Regional Government Exchange Meeting between Korea and

Announcement of the return of a dispatched official

China, Korea and Chinese Culture Performance, and Agricultural and Fishery Food Exhibition attended by more than 350 related people including Korean entrepreneurs, researchers, and officials.

In particular, SG Kim Jae-hyo had a time to introduce NEAR in the 10th

The seconded staff from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, Ma Yisha completed her mission and returned to her country in August

Regional Government Exchange Meeting between Korea and China and

2012. She has been in charge of the coordination

attracted high interests from many officials of regional governments in

and liaison work related to the 9th General

China, especially Zhao Jianling, Deputy Director General of Foreign

Assembly at the Secretariat from May 2012.

Affairs in Tianjin City pledged to make an effort to join NEAR.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 47

Ma Yisha(Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region -China)

NEAR Member News

NEAR This Month

NEAR Member News Heilongjiang Province - China

Hunan Province - China

2012 Advanced Materials Industry Exhibition held in Harbin

World Tourism City Mayor Forum China 2012 held on Sep. 26 in Zhengzhou, Hunan Province

2012 Chinese Advanced Materials Industry

World Tourism City Mayor Forum

Exhibition co-organized by

China 2012 held on Sep. 26 in

Chinese Industry

Zhengzhou, Hunan Province.

Information Department and

World Tourism City Mayor Forum

the people’s government of

China 2012 was held between September

Heilongjiang Province was

26 and 30 in Zhengzhou, Hunan Province.

The opening ceremony of 2012 Chinese Advanced

held in Harbin, Heilongjiang

Mayor of the famous tourism cities from

Materials Industry Exhibition

Province in the evening of

home and abroad gathered in Zhengzhou

September 5, 2012.

Under the theme of “New Material, New Efficiency, New Opportunity,

and study and discuss the theme of “Tourism and City.” During the event, a

and New Development,” 5 exhibition pavilion including the theme

festival, where the troupes from various

pavilion, the international pavilion, the Chinese city pavilion, the state-run

countries performed, was held for

enterprises and related university pavilion, the general development

everyone to have the pleasant time in

pavilion and more than one thousand enterprises attended. 7 thematic

Zhengzhou. The climax of the event, the

events were held including “2012 Senior’s Forum of Chinese New-

mayor forum, was held in Zhengzhou

material Industry,” “Presentation of the result of the Chinese New-material

International Convention Center on

The landmark of the tourism city of the world

th

and Project Conference,” and “2012 Chinese Color New-material Summit.”

September 28 .

Hubei Province - China

Ishikawa Prefecture - Japan

2012 “Han-gang Jung” economy, trade, and culture exchange event between Hubei and South Korea

IJSP (Ishikawa Japanese Studies Program) Future Creation Conference held

The people’s government of Hubei Province and Korean Embassy in

IJSP (Ishikawa Japanese Studies Program) Future Creation Conference held

China co-organized 2012 “Han-gang Jung” economy, trade, and culture

(1) Date : July 6 (Fri.), 2012

exchange event between Hubei and South Korea in Wuhan. Various

(2) Venue : ANA Crown Plaza Hotel Kanazawa

programs such as Regional Government Exchange Meeting between

(3) Organizer : Ishikawa Prefecture, (Foundation)Ishikawa Prefecture

Korea and China, an informal gathering for discussion for the cooperation of economy and trade, Korean and Chinese Expert Seminar to build the

International Exchange Association (4) Contents : Open discussion participated by 15 people including the

Middle Delta Region (Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangxi), Hubei-Korea Travel Photo Exhibition. The event was attended by Lee Soo-sung, former prime minister of South Korea, Lee Kyu-hyung, ambassador to China,

intelligent from home and abroad (5) Coordinator

Section

Makino Saiich

Ⅰ. Evaluation and promotion of the attraction of the training of Japanese language and Culture

representatives of regional governments in South Korea, entrepreneurs and representatives of friendship and exchange groups.

Nazkian Humiko Ootani Yosio

Ⅱ. Evaluation and expansion of Homestay Ⅲ. Promotion activity and information dispatch to expand the number of participating universities

Since 1987, Ishikawa Prefecture’s unique program - Ishikawa Japanese Studies Program (IJSP) has attracted more than 3,600 people from universities all over the world. And Universities now evaluate IJSP, which The Han-river in Wuhan city, Hubei Province

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

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NEAR This Month

NEAR Member News

has a home-stay program, as a program to learn Japanese and Japanese

provinces will expand the exchanges in the economic field such as the

culture more lively than the Japanese language program in the university.

mutual dispatch of the business representatives, the hosting of the forum

In the mean time, the open discussion to seek the future of the IJSP was

on a regular basis and the hosting of the industry environment presentation

attended by the intelligent from the U.S., China, and South Korea, and

to promote business cooperation among promising small and medium-

they reviewed the direction of the development based on the activity status

sized enterprises within the jurisdiction.

up to now.

During the discussion, participating students presented the necessity of

They decided to promote the industrial complex and cooperate to invite businesses so that the Gyeonggi-do Province industrial complex, which

the participation in the society and the meaning of the home-stay. After

will be established in the economic development zone in Liaocheng,

the completion of the discussion, Makino Saiich, Emeritus Professor of the

Shandong Province, could contribute to the economic cooperation of the

Princetion University reported the results of the discussion to Tani Moto

two provinces.

Masanori, the governor of the Ishikawa Prefecture

Along with this, they will promote the establishment of the “University Exchange Council between Gyeonggi-do and Shandong Provinces” and also enhance the administrative exchanges including the mutual dispatch

Niigata Prefecture - Japan

of the government official’s group from next year. Based on this

Niigata Prefecture Specialty Promotion Corner opened in a row in Korea

and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Shandong

agreement, the Economy & Investment Office of Gyeonggi-Do Province Province are planning to discuss consistently and make concrete enforcement measures. Gyeonggi-do Province and Shandong Province

Niigata Prefecture, which exerted various exchange support by opening

actively performed mutual visit, mutual dispatch of public officials and

the overseas office in Seoul, South Korea in 1990 for the first time among

exchange of cultural sectors between the regional governments after

Japanese regional governments, opened permanent corner to promote the

concluding the agreement on the Friendship Exchange cooperation in

specialties of Niigata Prefecture this time. The 1st Corner, which opened

April, 2000 and have maintained the sisterhood relationship since 2009.

this March, sells and exhibits refined rice wine from Niigata Prefecture, Tsuiki receptacle in the name of ‘Niigata Club’ inside of the ‘Kitchen of OGA’, which is the high-class Japanese restaurant, located in Gangnamgu. In addition, the 2nd Corner, which opened last July, actively promotes the specialties of Niigata Prefectures by exhibiting and directly using the tableware in the Sushi bar, ‘Niigata Waraku.’ Niigata Prefecture is promoting to expand the market for the Niigata specialties based on the promotion corners.

Lee Jae-yul, Vice Governonr of Gyeonggi-do Province, and Jiang Daming, Governor of Shandong Province having a pleasant talk about the exchange and cooperation project

The scene of Promotion Corner for the specialties from Niigata Prefecture

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province - Korea Pohang City’s ‘Cool Biz Look’ enhancing energy saving All civil servants in

Gyeonggi-do Province - Korea

Pohang City wore ‘Cool Biz Look’ in the office

Gyeonggi-do is to expand the exchange with Shandong Province

from June to September in an effort to save energy, create a sense of unity

Vice Governonr of Gyeonggi-do Province, Lee, Jae-yul and Governor of

between officials, and

Shandong Province, Jiang Daming signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Exchange and Cooperation which contains project cooperation between businesses and the expansion of the university exchange on July 30. In accordance with the memorandum, the two

Civil servants working with Cool-Biz Look in Pohang City hall

enhance work efficiency.

Cool Biz is a compound

of ‘Cool’ and ‘Biz’(Business), referring to dressing cooler in the office to cut down on energy use in the summer. Those ‘Cool Biz’ uniforms have

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 47

NEAR Member News

NEAR This Month

rose designs, which is the flower of the city, enhancing a sense of unity.

There are 3 kinds of colors including navy blue, blue, and scarlet to make

Sakhalin Region - Russia

the most of each one’s characteristics. Civil servants wore those ‘Cool

The 16th Sakhalin Oil & Gas Meeting and Exhibition 2012

Biz’uniforms while working at the amusement park and at the various The 16th Sakhalin Oil & Gas Meeting

events publicizing Pohang. Meanwhile, Pohang City allowed its officials to wear jeans or casual dress instead of formal dress for every Friday or

and Exhibition 2012 was held in

‘Blue Jean Day’ to promote conversion of notion and flexible thinking

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk between

from January, gaining traction.

September 24-27, 2012 sponsored by Sakhalin Government and organized

by Adam Smith Conferences which is the professional organization for the national forum in Russia and Eastern Europe. Under the theme of

Dorno-govi Province - Mongolia

“Sakhalin and Far East Russia Global Energy Center,” 400 people

The 1st ‘Golden Antelope’ International Poet Festival

various events such as the discussion on the planning and outlook of the

including Oil & Gas representatives attended this exhibition. In particular, Sakhalinsk project 1-5, interview of representatives from enterprises, and

The 1st ‘Golden

the visit of the Sakhalinsk 2 project.

Antelope’ International Poet Festival was held

The construction of

between September 8 and

the on the ground

16. With the aim of enjoying the nature while preserving and not harming it, this festival was held from ‘Khamariin The 1st ‘Golden Antelope’ International Poet Festival

Khiid,’ ‘Hoops gulsom,’

and ‘Hatang borla geusom’ in Dorno-govi Province to ‘Jaang Te reljeu’ in Ulaanbaatar City. This festival, which was held with free topic, was attended by young poets from Mongolia, Turkey, Belgium, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, and Japan.

Ulaanbaatar City - Mongolia

Sakhalinsk 2 project: Offshore

The Korea Culture Week & K-Pop Contest 2012 held

Platform

‘The Korea Culture Week & K-Pop Contest 2012’ organized by South Korean Embassy in Mongolia was held in Ulaanbaatar City between September 28 and 30. On the first day, ‘Pa Pa’ the Korean comic movie was shown in the out-door theater of Children’s park under the theme of ‘Meeting with Korean Movie.’ On the second day, the opening ceremony of Korean Culture Week was held. There were various programs such as Korea-Mongolia Diplomacy and Tourism Exhibition, Showing of Korea Culture Tourism, K-Pop Contest finals (12 Teams), the opening of traditional Korean food booth and the food supplies exhibition. They received fervent responses from Mongolian citizens. In particular, they showed keen interest in the recipe of Korean food and food-tasting. In the K-Pop Contest, which was the highlight of this event, there were 12 teams which advanced to the finals. Among them, Chereung sureung (aged 17) won the top first prize. The round-trip ticket and abundant prizes were awarded to them. On September 30, the event was completed with the Korea-Mongolia Diplomacy and Tourism Exhibition, 70’s-80’s Concert, and the 3rd showing of the movie, ‘Pa Pa’.

The Blueprint of Sakhalinsk 2 project

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

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NEAR This Month

Events of NEAR Member Regions

November

Events Schedule of NEAR Member Regions

Sunday

Monday 28

2012. 11.

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Tuesday 29

Region Gyeongsangnam-do Province Event The 15th International Conference on Harmful Algae When October 29~November 2 Where Changwon Exhibition Conference Center, gyeongnam, Korea Contact Registration department of the secretariat of ICHA 2012 T. +82-2-6000-8114 http://www.hab2012.kr

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25

December

26

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 47

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Irkutsk Region Baikal Businessmen Forum November 27-29 Irkutsk Itkutsk Economic Development, Labor, Higher-Education Department T. +7-3952-25-60-65 F. +7-3952-25-65-21

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2012. 12.

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Region Event When Where Contact

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Region Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (Korea) Event The 20thJeju Seongsan Sunrise Festival When December 31, 2012 ~ January 1, 2013 Where Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Seogwipo City Contact Seogwipo City Hall Tourist Promotion Department T. +82-64-760-3941~6

Events Schedule of NEAR Member Regions

NEAR This Month

Wednesday Region Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (Korea) Event Jeju Olle Walking Festival 2012 When October 31~November 03 Where Jeju Olle Route 10,11,12,13 Contact 2012 Jeju Olle Walking Festival Committee T. +82-64-762-2190

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

31

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Region Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) (Russia) Event The 2ndInternational Professional Exposition "Petroleum, Gas, Environment, Energy 2012" When November 14~16 Where Yakutsk City Contact The Chamber of Commerce and Industry T. +7-4112-42-07-89 tpp14@mail.ru

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Region Busan Metropolitan City (Korea) Event Global Game Exhibition G-STAR 2012 When November 08~11 Where BEXCO, Busan Metropolitan City Contact BEXCO, Busan Metropolitan City T. +82-51-740-3420 F. +82-51-740-3404 http://www.gstar.or.kr

Region Event When Where

Busan Metropolitan City (Korea) Busan Choral Festival & Competition November 14~17 Busan Cultural Center International Cooperation Division, Busan Metropolitan City T. +82-51-888-3541 F. +82-51-888-4039 http://koreachoral.or.kr

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Region Busan Metropolitan City (Korea) Event Busan International Seafood & Fisheries EXPO 2012 When November 15~17 Where BEXCO, Busan Metropolitan City Contact BEXCO, Busan Metropolitan City T. +82-51-740-3420 F. +82-51-740-3404 http://www.bisfe.com

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NEAR Leading the Era of Northeast Asia The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

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Feature Report

A New Trial of the Local Autonomy System, The Union of Kansai Government

A New Trial of the Local Autonomy System,

The Union of Kansai Government The local autonomy systems of each country in Northeast Asia have developed, deeply related with the political system, history and culture in each country. Thus, there are not a few differences by countries in terms of the formation, operation and authority of the system. In this regard, we will look out the future of the autonomous body by intrducing the local autonomy system of Japan, where the authority of the local autonomy system is relatively strong.

Union of Regional Government : An organization for several regional governments to jointly implement parts of the administrative service. One of the special regional public organizations introduced by the revision of the regional self-governing law in Japan in 1994 to strengthen the local autonomy.

Background The Kansai region in Japan has carried out its pioneering role in terms of the union of the regional government, competing with wisdom and characteristics of each cities and regions.

Along with the change of the times, the strengthening of the union and the decentralization out of the boundaries of the prefectures has been required to develop Kansai region into more attractive region.

However, in this case, the issue of the handover of the authority and the office work from the central government occurs. When each regional government directly receives the authority, it requires enormous expenses and human strengths in its operation. Not only in terms of the efficiency but also the relationship with the central government, the joint correspondence to each regional government is more effective so the establishment of the union of the regional governments has been discussed.

A Poster of 'Union of Kansai Governments'

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 47

A New Trial of the Local Autonomy System, The Union of Kansai Government

Feature Report

1

2

1. Doctor Helicopter: Medical service in the 'Union of Kansai Governments' aims to establish the mutual supplementary coordination system to operate numerous 'Doctor Helicopters'(Air Ambulance) by resolving the issue of the scope of and the expense of 'Doctor Helicopters, ' which occur when each regional government dispatch and operate 'Doctor Helicopters' by themselves.

2. The scene of the joint training of the disaster prevention in the 'Union of Kansai Governments.' : In Japan's situation where the earthquake and the natural disasters occur frequently, the responding to the disaster prevention requires not only the coordination between the central and the local but also the close connection between regions.

Union of Kansai Governments In December 1st, 2010, 7 prefectures in the Kansai region established the ‘Union of Kansai Governments’

government. This attempt implies greatly to the regional governments in Northeast Asia, where they are greatly influenced by the central government. This is why we should pay attention to the success and failure of the Union of Kansai Governments.

under the slogan of ‘New era from Kansai.’

This is the first union of the governments in Japan, composed of numerous prefectures. Its prior aim is to

Overview of the Union of Governments Name

Union of Kansai Governments

respond to the regional tasks, which surpass the boundaries between regions, breakthrough the decentralization, and convert a country into the multidecentralized structure.

Chair

Ido Tosijow (Governonr of Hyogo Prefecture) Date of Establishment December 1, 2010 Members

The future task is to infuse new atmosphere into the central government system which shows institutional fatigue by receiving the authority and the office work on

Major

behalf of the dispatched office of the central government.

Activity

The concrete process and conditions for this are under

Shiga Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture, Tokushima Prefecture, Kyoto City, Osaka City, Saikai City, Kobe City (as of August 14, 2012) The works which the governments upper than prefectures (regional governments) have to deal with 7 fields including Disaster Prevention, Tourism & Culture Promotion, Industry Promotion, Medical Service, Environment Prevention, Qualification Test and License and Staff Training Receiving the work and authority from the dispatched office of the central government Expansion of the work in the 7 fields and in new fields

consideration. Related regional governments are making their efforts to realize ‘Kansai region which can decide

Organization Chart

and execute policies by itself’ and ‘Kansai region which

Committee of the Union of Governments

serves as the hub of the human and material exchange in Asia, a base of West Japan.

Chair (of the Union of Governments) Vice-chair (of the Union of Governments) Member(in charge of disaster prevention, tourism & culture promotion, industry promotion, medical service, environment prevent, qualification test and license and staff training)

Council of the Union of Governments

At first, the office work of Union of Kansai Governments was performed in the fields of Disaster

Election Commission

Prevention, Tourism & Culture Promotion, Industry

Auditor

Promotion, Medical Service, Environment Prevention,

Accountant

Fair Committee

Council for the Union of Governments

Qualification Test and License and Staff Training - 7 The Secretariat

fields in total. To make ‘Developed Union of Kansai Governments,’ the office work is scheduled to be expanded to the field of planning, maintenance and management of the harbor, national highway, and river.

The new form of the local autonomy model, which is tried in Japan, where the local autonomy is developed the most in Northeast Asia can be evaluated as an alternative to the limitation of the current system of the regional

Headquarters of the Secretariat (Planning&Gener al Affairs, Qualification test and license) (in Osaka City)

Disaster Prevention Department (Hyogo Prefecture)

Tourism & Culture Promotion Department (Kyoto Prefecture)

Industry Promotion Department (Osaka Prefecture)

Medical Service Department (Tokushima Prefecture)

Environment Prevention Department (Shiga Prefecture)

Staff Training Department (Wakayama Prefecture)

Departments of the Secretariat (Dispatch specialists in all fields except for Qualification Test and License to each prefecture)

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

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NEAR Member Tour

A City of Water and Canal, Liaocheng Shi

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A City of Water and Canal

Liaocheng Shi Introduction of Liaocheng Shi, Shandong Province Liaocheng Shi located in the western region of the Shandong Province is composed of 8 counties and 1 economic development zone. It is 8,175㎢ wide and has 6 million and 40 thousand people. Liaocheng Shi with the eternal history has another name as “the water city in the northern portion of the river (northern portion of the Yangtze River), an ancient canal city.” In 2011, the income of the industry sector in the Liaocheng Shi surpassed 500 billion yuan, thus ranked at the 7th place among 17 cities in the Shandong Province in terms of the income.

The water area of the Liaocheng Shi accounts for one fourth of the total area so it has its unique scenery where the city shines with water as there is a saying that “the water in the city, the city in the water”.In addition, more than 30% of the city consists of the forests, making the city the advanced afforested city in China. It is also the historical culture city, excellent tourism city, clean city, landscape city, exemplar city of the environment protection, exemplar city of favoring officials, the military, and civilians. Liaocheng Shi with unique attractiveness and excellent environment became a city good to live and to invest and start enterprises.

In 2012, Shandong Province decided to build the “Gyeonggi-do Province Industrial Complex” inLiaocheng Shi, Shandong Province. The total size of the land in the “Gyeonggi-do Province Industrial Complex” is planned to be 5㎢. The size of the land on the first stage is expected to be 4㎢, comprising 1 major zone and 2 supplement zone. Industries such as LED and vehicle parts, precision machine, science technology R&D centering around JIUZHOU international high-tech complex will be fostered in the major zone, so it will become the center of the world class high-tech industry.

The scenery of Liaocheng Shi

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 47

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A City of Water and Canal, Liaocheng Shi

NEAR Member Tour

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1. The night scenery of the Liaocheng Shi 2. The scheme drawing of the Gyeonggi-do Province Industrial Complex 3. Shan Shan Hall: the place for art performance, which was built by funds of the ancient merchants in the neighboring region 4. Yellow River Ecology Culture Zone 5. Production Line of Electric Vehicle 6. Dongchang Lake 7. Liaocheng Industrial Complex 8. The theater of Liaocheng Shi 9. An air view of the Gyeonggi-do Province Industrial Complex

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Bio-science technology complex (supplement zone) is trying to build the biggest production complex for livestock feed and food additive in the world thus developing the bio-science technology and food and drug industry. Chemical industry advanced material complex (supplement zone) is trying to develop the precision chemistry industry and chemical industry advanced material industry centering around chemical industry and advance material industry.

“Gyeonggi-do Province Industrial Complex” will intensely foster the cutting-edge technology and highvalue added industry in the future, thus becoming the center of the high efficient industry. Furthermore, it will do its utmost to become the exemplar base for the circular economy between Korea and China or Shandong Province and Gyeonggi-do Province.

There remain long history and culture in Liaocheng Shi. Liaocheng Shi is located at the cross point, where the cultures of Qi, Lu, Yan, and Zhao states meet. It is also the place which is the backdrop of the famous story, the “The Water Margin” - the representative Chinese classic.

During the recent years, Liaocheng Shi is accelerating its speed to open it outward by taking advantage of its geographical merits. It emphasize developing the Bio-science technology, the vehicle and machinery manufacturing, the light industries and Textile industries, the color metalworking process, and the IT industries. It is also attracting the major industries of the nations and regions such as Japan, South Korea, Europe, the U.S., Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan with the most suitable investment environment, the environment of the inauguration of the enterprises, and residential environment. In 2011, the growth rate of the GRDP in Liaocheng Shi ranked 2nd in Shandong Province, the growth rate of the fiscal revenue in the region within Shandong Province ranked 1st.

With the aim of constructing the whole “Ecology City”, Liaocheng Shi will do its best to be reborn as the emerging ecology industry city in the western region of Shandong Province, the city of the hub of commerce and distribution located in the cross section of Hubei, Shandong, Hunan Provinces, and the city of culture, tourism, and leisure in the northern portion of the Yangtze River.

“Liaocheng Shi sincerely welcomes your visit to travel and invest.”

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

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The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments 3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROK T. +82-54-223-2311~20 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail neargov@hotmail.co.kr Website www.neargov.org