NEAR news vol.51 (ENG)

NEAR NEAR Leading the Era of Northeast Asia 2013. 5~6

News

Vol. 51 NEAR Working-level Workshop 2013

NEAR This Month Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I Schedule of NEAR Member Feature Report NEAR Working-level Workshop 2013 NEAR Member Tour Kyoto Prefecture, Japan / Kamchatka Territory, Russia

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NEAR News

“NEAR News� was launched in 2005 to serve as a messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information. The bi-monthly magazine is published and distributed to NEAR members and other relevant organizations free of charge, containing information on NEAR activities, news from members, international issues, contributions and announcements (also available free at http://www.neargov.org). You can take part in creating NEAR News anytime by contributing articles and creative ideas (Contact the NEAR Secretariat).

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Avanchinskaya Peninsula, Kamchatka Territory, Russia

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NEAR is... a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 76 regional governments (71 member regions and 5 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.

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, crossborder cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.

Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, and R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

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.

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NEAR This Month

Secretariat News

Secretariat News Professor Yang Long of Nankai University, China, visited the NEAR Secretariat Professor Yang Long, assistant dean of the Zhou Enlai School of

Public Officers seconded to the Secretariat experienced Korean Culture Staff of the Secretariat, along with public officers seconded by NEAR

Government at Nankai University in Tianjin, China, visited the NEAR

overseas members, visited Yangdong Village and Oksan Seowon,

Secretariat on April 23. Professor Yang, an authority on research in an

Gyeongju to experience traditional Korean culture in celebration of the

exchange among China’s regional governmnets, visited the Secretariat, a

Secretariat’s eighth anniversary. Yangdong village is surrounded by Mt.

representative international organization representing exchange among

seolchang in the north of Gyeongju and is well known as a historic,

Northeast Asian regional governments as part of his fieldwork, and he

traditional village. Yangdong village was designated as a UNESCO World

discussed Chinaʼs regional government system and talked about NEAR

Heritage site in July 2010 and has become a tourist attraction. Its

with Secretary General Kim. In addition, Professor Yang granted his

centuries-old tile-roofed houses and a low-stone wall are connected in a

consent to cooperation with NEAR by Tianjin joining and promoting

beautiful natural environment, and it retains its traditional culture. The

NEAR.

second destination was Oksan seowon, located at Oksan-ri, Angang-eup in the city of Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, which commemorates the virtues of the sixteenth century scholar Yi Eon-jeok. Despite the short time spent at each, visiting two places offered the public officers the opportunity to learn about and enjoy Korean culture.

Announcement of New Staffs, seconded from NEAR Members, to the Secretariat The list of staffs seconded from NEAR members to work at the Secretariat for one year is finalized. The list of seconded members 2013 is as follows.

(Picture: from the left) Seconded Staff from China: Ye Jianwen (Hubei Province) Seconded Staff from Mongolia: Shijiru Ariunjul (Govisumber Province) Seconded Staff from Russia: Ondar Saian (Republic of Tuva) Seconded Staff from Japan: Ikegami, Takahisa (Hyogo Prefecture, a second year staff)

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NEAR This Month

Secretariat News

2013 Meeting with Public Officers seconded to the Secretariat Public officers seconded from NEAR members, including China, Japan, Mongolia, Russia, to the Secretariat had a meeting with Park Jin-hyun, chairman of the Planning and Economic Committee of Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council, and its members (Jang Sae-hun, Kim Hee-soo, and Kim Mal-bun) on May 9.

Participation in the 8th EXPO CENTRAL CHINA 2013 The Secretary delegation, led by Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo, visited Zhengzhou City in Henan Province to participate in the 8th EXPO CENTRAL CHINA 2013 on May 17-20, at the invitation of Henan Province, a China member of NEAR . Secretary General Kim met Xie Fuzhan, governor of Henan Province, on the May 17, and celebrated successful opening of the EXPO as well as Governor Xie’s inauguration in the previous March. They also visited the Summit Forum at the EXPO on the May 18, regarding active investment promotion by Chinese regional governments.

* EXPO CENTRAL CHINA 2013 Nine central organizations, including the Ministry of Commerce of People's Republic of China and the People’s government of Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei, and Hunan, organize EXPO CENTRAL CHINA, the largest annual event in the central inland region of China.

▶ Secretary General at China Press Interview ▼ NEAR Secretary General and Xie Fuzhan, Governor of Henan Province (left and right in the middle)

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NEAR This Month

NEAR Member News

NEAR Member News Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region - China

Hubei Province -China

The 5th China (Ningxia) International Culture and Art Tourism Expo held

China’s First Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition held in Wuhan

The 5th China (Ningxia) International Culture and Art Tourism Expo, and the “Thank you, Mother River” campaign were opened on May 12 in Qingtongxia City, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

This event ran from May 12 to August 31 under the theme of the south of the river in the border area, Chinese hometown. Through diverse events, revealing

China’s First Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition was held on May 8 in Hubei Museum.

The Hanchu Opera was designated as part of China’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in 2006.

The exhibition comprised the origin, art, and culture of Hanchu Opera

Ningxia’s cultural characteristic, it mixed ethnic and international cultural art

and displayed valuable materials, including a large collection, old

elements and took the first step towards preserving and developing an excellent

photographs, books and sound archives, explaining the development of the

cultural heritage on the Yellow River.

The 3rd “Thank you, Mother River” Campaign, which was the opening event of

Hanchu Opera. During the exhibition, there were 32 small-sized performances and 6 lectures.

the Expo, was intended to enhance the Yellow River’s culture, which has a long history and extensive diversity, and it was meaningful time to express gratitude to Mother River, as the lifeline for both the homeland and the Chinese nation.

Liu Li, civilian collector, explains the artistic value of the exhibit

"Thank you, Mother River" Campaign

Toyama Prefecture - Japan Hunan Province - China Hunan’s Cooperation with Privolzhsky Federal District, Russia strengthened M. Babich Presidential envoy of Privolzhsky Federal District, Russia visited

The 15th Trilateral Friendship City Exchange Conference held.

The 15th Trilateral Friendship City Exchange Conference will be held in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, in November. Three countries-South Korea, China, Japan- hold the conference every three years with the goal of

Hunan Province to observe Hunan Province’s outstanding administrative

improving international exchange and cooperation among their regional

management system and know-how in creating an investment environment from

governments. Especially, as the conference is attended by a great number

May 15 to 16. Within the big framework of the “Strategic Partnership” between

of governor-level participants, the event is expected to facilitate sharing of

China and Russia, Hunan Province has participated enthusiastically in exchanges

influential opinions.

with regional public officers of Russia, in the personal, educational, and cultural fields, while cooperation within the economic trade area is active and has achieved many results.

A Meeting between Chinese and Russian Regional Senior Public Officers, held in Wuhan on May 14.

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The 14th Trilateral Friendship City Exchange Conference

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◆ Date: 10(Sun)~11(Mon) November 2013 ※ Visit to Toyama Prefecture is allowed from 12(Tue) to 13(Wed) November

◆ Venue: Toyama International Conference Room (address: 富山市大手町 1-2 ) ◆C ontents: The conference consists of Keynote speech under the major theme of "response representing regional features and mutual development of Northeast Asia." and discussion on major topics, namely, industry, tourism/culture, and environment. ◆ Host: Toyama Prefecture, CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations), CPAFFC (Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries), GAOK(Governors Association Of Korea) ◆ Contact: Friendship Exchange Division, CLAIR Tel: 03-5213-1723 E-mail: koushin@clai.or.jp

Niigata Prefecture - Japan

NEAR Member News

policy development and efforts with passion. He explained gratitude movement, which has been implemented to make Pohang City happy city since last year.

Further, he said "I hope that what you learned on regional administration system during the training in South Korea will be helpful when you return to your homeland and that good exchange with Pohang City will continue."

Meanwhile, the team toured the Public Service Center, Internet Broadcasting Station, and 16th Floorʼs Observatory. Then, they benchmarked the development history of global firms and the spirit of enterprises by visiting POSCO Information Center. They experienced dyeing at Traditional Cultural Experience Center located in Gibook Myun, the City of Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province on the 24th.

Finally, they visited Jukdo market and a small stream.

K2H (Korea Heart to Heart) Visitors: This is a program, held by Governors Association, to strengthen the cooperation between the Korean government and the regional governments of foreign countries as well as boost South Korea’s image internationally and nurture talents.

Under this program, public officers from the regional governments of foreign countries are dispatched to 37 regional governments in South Korea for training.

Niigata Sake Festival 2013 held 500 kinds of Niigata Sake collected Niigata Sake Festival 2013 was held from March 16 to 17. The festival is the biggest of all events held in Japan that are related to Sake. This particular event celebrated 10th anniversary of the festival as of 2013. Sake Festival was attended by 86.125 visitors in 2013. Rice wine produced in Niigata is highly evaluated for its high quality not only in Japan but all over the world. Visitors tasted more than 500 local sake types with a large variety of Naiikata dishes.

Presently, Niigata Sake no jin is known in foreign countries, and many visitors to the event hall from foreign countries. As Sake’s export to overseas countries annually increases, Niigata Sake will undoubtedly penetrate overseas

A trainee team participating in Korea Heart to Heart (K2H) and Mayor Park Seung-ho, the City of Pohang(middle)

markets in the future.

Incheon Metropolitan City - Korea The Opening of the New United Nations Premises in I-Tower on May 31 The opening ceremony of the New United Nations Premises in I-Tower, Songdo, Incheon Metropolitan City, was held on May 31. The new Korean Kagamibiraki Event (breaking of a cask of Sake) to celebrate the opening of Niigata Sake Festival 2013

location will consolidate four United Nations offices: the ESCAP East and North-East Asia Subregional Office, the ESCAP Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for

Gyeonsangbuk-do Province - Korea

Development (APCICT), the UNISDR Office for Northeast Asia together

K2H (Korea Heart to Heart) Fellowship visited the City of Pohang

Reduction, and the Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific of

K2H (Korea Heart to Heart) Fellowship (50 individuals across 11 countries)

with the Global Education and Training Institute for Disaster Risk UNCITRAL. Many participants attended the opening ceremony, including Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations; Mr. Song Young-

officially visited the City of Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea,

gil, the Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City; and NEAR Secretary

on April 23 to benchmark best examples of regional governments and experience

General Kim Jae-hyo.

traditional cultures.

The team visited Pohang City to acquire knowhow on the development of regional administration and to share the knowhow. They visited Pohang City hall and listened to an explanation by Mayor Park Seung-ho, the City of Pohang, on major policies, the operation of regional administration, and development of Pohang City.

Mayor Park Seung-ho explained, through his welcoming speech, “the City of Pohang has developed as a city with POSCO, global iron and steel company, a busy port, and high-tech infrastructure as a result of the public officersʼ continuous

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Gangwon-do Province - Korea GTI International Trade & Investment EXPO held on June 9 GTI (Greater Tumen Initiative) International Trade & Investment Fair 2013 was held under the topic of Age of New Northeast Asia-Cooperation, Development,

NEAR Member News

government agencies. World Clean Air Congress 2016 is touted as the largest festival in the field of atmospheric sciences.

KOSAE (Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment) won the bid against Turkey and Singapore last September to hold the Congress in South Korea. Busan Metropolitan City, which is well equipped with infrastructure for the MICE industry, was selected for hosting the Congress.

Busan is expected to establish itself as an international environment-friendly

Coexistence at the public gymnasium, Gangneung City, Gangwon-do Province,

city, encompassing both water and atmosphere, by successfully holding its

South Korea from 9 to 12 June. GTI is a project that central and regional

General Assembly in the field of atmosphere preservation, following holding IWA

governments in GTI member nations, including South Korea, China, Russia,

(International Water Association)ʼs General Assembly in Busan, which was

Mongolia, Japan suggest new cooperative business model among Northeast Asia

attended by 7,100 specialists in the field of water preservation last year.

regions with cooperation of enterprises. All participants, including 500 enterprises and 10,000 buyers from home and abroad, came to 800,000 people.

Major event started with opening ceremony and Trade and Investment meeting

Director Kim Byung Gon of the Environmental Greenspace Division of Busan Metropolitan City said that through the World Clean Air Congress, Busan will enhance its brand value as a global tourism and convention city along with its

between enterprises and buyers from home and abroad and GTI regional

academic and personal exchange elevating its global status as a developed nation

cooperation forum were held on 6 June. There were various programs, including

in terms of environment..

small firm’s convergence conference, national convention with one mind, briefing session on investment promotion of free economic zone on 10 June, briefing session on investment promotion on 11 June, and selecting best products and visiting free economic zone on June 12.

Gangwon-do Province expanded and promoted practical exchange and cooperation among Northeast Asian regions by providing opportunity to develop and preoccupy emerging market with huge population, 1.8 million to Korean enterprises through International Trade & Investment Fair held for the first time and prepared a cornerstone contributing to national economy growth through economic vitalization of Eastern Coast region.

* World Clean Air Congress: First hosted by the United Kingdom in 1966, the

World Clean Air Congress has been held every two or three years in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, German, France, and Australia. The Nobel Prize Winner for Chemistry and the South Korean Minister of Environment participated in the 2001 Congress, which was the first World Clean Air Congress to be held in South Korea, in the city of Seoul. In 2016, the World Clean Air Congress will be held once again in South Korea, this time in Busan Metropolitan City.

* MICE Industry: “MICE” is an acronym for "Meetings, Incentives, Convention, Events & Exhibitions" with the “E” sometimes referring to events and the “C” sometimes referring to conventions. As the term “Meetings, Incentive, Convention, Events & Exhibition" was too long and complicated, the concept of MICE was created; it is also called Business Travel (BT)

Ulaanbaatar City - Mongolia Ceremony to sign the Contract for the Construction of a New International Airport at Khoshigt A ceremony was held to sign the contract for the construction of a new international airport at Khoshight by the Ministry of Roads and Transportation of Mongolia on May 10. The New International Airport will be constructed in Sergelen Sum, Tuv Province, Mongolia. Therefore, a call for bids was announced for the construction of the airport, in collaboration with the Mitsubish-Chiyoda, Japan. The project will be implemented with a budget of 49.4 billion JYP. Mitsubish-Chiyoda has pledged to complete the construction of the new international airport by December, 2016. The international airport will be located in 10 km away from Zuunmod, the center of Tuv Province, and 50 km away from Ulaanbaatar City, the capital of Mongolia. It will be established as a complex comprising about 30 buildings, including a modern-style airport building that can

Busan Metropolitan City - Korea

accommodate up to 3 million passengers a year; a double-way air strip allowing

Busan Metropolitan City will hold ‛World Clean Air Congress 2016’, the Olympics in the field of atmosphere preservation

state-of-the-art equipment; heat and water works; and a structure for water

World Clean Air Congress 2016, the largest international symposium in the field

the airplanes to take off and land all the time; a control tower equipped with a treatment.

The airport building has the possibility of expansion to accommodate 22,000 planes and 12 million passengers a year through the construction of up to 20 paths as well as a site for an additional airstrip.

of atmospheric sciences, hosted by the International Union of Air Pollution

When construction of the international airport is completed in 2016, a satellite

Prevention(IUAPPA) and Environmental Protection Associations, has been

city that can accommodate a population of 100,000 will be created. A foundation

decided to be held in Busan Metropolitan City.

will be laid enabling Ulaanbaatar City to expand toward the south, thus ensuring

The event will be attended by 1,500 participants from 50 countries, consisting of researchers in the field of atmospheric science, Novel Prize Winners, staff from

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that its population density is reduced. In addition, it will create jobs for citizens in Mongolia.

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NEAR Member News

Russian Victory Day - Russia

Krasnoyarsk Territory- Russia

Russan Victory Day held in Russia from May 9

Russian Easter Event <Pasrha>

Russians celebrate Russian Victory Day on May 9. The Victory Day is

Russian Easter Event was held on May 5 all over the country. Especailly,

considered a monumental event to celebrate Russian soldiers始 winning the

more than 32,000 residents, including those from 56 citis in the

war against German soldiers in World War II. Every year, each region in

Krasnoyarsk Territory, attended Russian Orthodox Church始s Easter service

Russia holds this event to remember the souls of World War II veterans.

from May 4 to 5 in 76 churches and 3 abbeys.

Many people watch the military parade prepared by their respective regions.

The date of the Russan Easter day is not fixed on the same day every year. Easter day is the first Sunday after the astronomical full moon between April 4 and May 8. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ has been considered more important than Chiristmas in Russia Orthodox.

After seven weeks of Lent, a fabulous ceremony is held. Each family commemorates rebirth of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ with various traditional food, colofur Easter eggs, and bread called cool rich prepared on the table. Traditioanlly, Easter eggs are red in color following related story. After the Resurrection of Jejus Christ, Mary Magdalene travelled to Rome with white eggs. She met Emperor Tiberius and announced the the Resurrection of Jejus Christ. However, the Emperor did not believe Mary, saying that resurrection is impossible just as the white eggs carred by you cannot transform into red eggs. At his disbelief, the white egges

Repubilc of Tuva始s Immotal Soldiers

miraculously changed into red eggs.

The Republic of Tuva, which shares its borders with Mongolia, participated in World War II for the Soviet Union始s independence. The Republic of Tuva officially declared war on Nazi Germany in 1941 and entered the war subsequently. Volunteer soldiers of the Republic of Tuva had participated in World War II since 1943, and many of them received meritorious medal from the Republic of Tuva and Russia for their contrubition. A Memorial hall was established to honor World War II veterans in Kyzyl City, Republic of Tuva on May 9, 2010.

From this year, Republic of Tuva has started project called Immotal Soldiers. The project was created purporting that the sons of World War II veterans, from Republic of Tuva, participated in Immortal Solders, and their grandsons and great-grandsons participated in the Immortal Soldiers for generations and made Immortal Soldiers.

On May 9, people marched down the street from the central street of Kyzyl City to Victory Plaza along with the military band of the Repubilc of Tuva as Immortal Soldiers.

More than 100 participants submited the application to the Immortal Soldier project but, more than 500 participants marched down the street without registration.

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NEAR This Month | Schedule of NEAR Member |

July

Schedule of NEAR Member

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday 1

2013. 7.

•Region Khuvsgul Province, Mongolia •Event Reindeer Festival •When 2 ~ 4 July •Where ‌ Hatgal Village •Contact T.+976-11322878

F.+976-11310200

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7

8

21

22

4

5

6

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12

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•Region Jeju Self-Governing Province, South Korea • Event Geomun Oreum Trekking 2013 • When 21 July ~ 20 August •Where ‌ Geomun Oreum Area •Contact World Cultural Heritage Division T.+82-64-710-6988

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•Region Uvurkhangai Province, Mongolia •Event Yak Festival •When 23 July •Where Uvurkhangai Province, •Contact Office of Uvurkhangai Province

T.+976-1322-22360

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August 2013. 8.

•Region Khabarovsk Territory, Russia Korea-Russia Symposium <Russiaʼs • Event Role for Northeast Asia's Cooperation> •When 11 ~ 15 August • Where ‌ Khabarovsk Territory • Contact Economic Research Institute of Far-East Military Region of Russia Science Academy

Т.+7-4212-72-48-88

F.+7-4212-72-48-07 E-mail:buldakova@ecrin.ru

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25

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•Region Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea •Event ‌ The 27th IUUSP (International Union for the Scientific Study of Population) •When 26 ~ 31 August •Where Bexco •Contact International Relations Division of Busan Metropolitan City T.+82-51-888-3541

NEAR This Month

Schedule of NEAR Member

Wednesday

• Region Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia •Event International Fork Music and Craftwork Festival • When 10 ~ 14 July • Where ‌ Susenskoe, • Contact Cultural Division, Krasnoyarsk Territory T. (391) 211-43-05

Thursday

Friday

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Saturday 5

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•Region Shandong Province, China •Event ‌ The 9th Yantai International Wine Expo •When 5 ~ 7 July •Where ‌ Yantai City •Contact Organizing Committee of Yantai International Wine Expo

T.+86-535-6280001

F.+86-535-6280003

•Region Uvurkhangai Province, Mongolia •Event Sheep & Goat Festival •When 12 July •Where Uvurkhangai Province, •Contact Office of Uvurkhangai Province T.+976-1322-22360

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•Region Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea •Event ‌ The 8th Busan International Magic Festivalon •When 2 ~ 5 August •Where ‌ Haeun Beach, Cultural Center •Contact International Relations Division of Busan Metropolitan City T.+82-51-888-3541

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14

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• Region Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea •Event World Taekwondo Hanmadang Festival 2013 • When 28 ~ 31 August •Where ‌ Chungmu Gymnasium •Contact Sport Science Division, of Daejeon City Hall T.+82-42-270-4481

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9

15

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•Region Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region • Event ‌ The 10th China Yinchuan International Automobile and Motorcycle Travel Festival •When 8 ~ 16 August •Where ‌ Yinchuan City •Contact Tourism Division of Yinchuan City T.+86-951-6889282

•Region Hyogo Prefecture, Japan • Event ‌ Hongkong Food Expo 2013 • When 15 ~ 17 August • Where HongKong Convention Center •Contact HongKong Trade Development Division T.+852-25844333

•Region Shimane Prefecture, Japan •Event ‌ NEAR Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange •When 2 ~ 7 August •Where Shimane Prefecture •Contact NEAR Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange

T.+81-852-22-6464

F.+81-852-22-6412

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•Region Jeju Self-Governing Province, South Korea •Event Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival 2013 & 8th Brass Competition •When 10 ~ 18 August •Where Seaside Arts Center, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province •Contact Cultural Affairs Policy Division of Jeju Self-Governing Province T.+82-64-710-3417

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17

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•Region Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea • Event ‌ Busan International Advertising Festival • When 22 ~ 25 August •Where ‌ Bexco •Contact International Relations Division of Busan Metropolitan City T.+82-51-888-3541

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•Region Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea • Event 2013 International Climate & Environmental Fair • When 28 ~ 31 August •Where Kimdaejung Convention Center •Contact International Relations Division of Gwangju Metropolitan City T.+82-62-613-3923

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Feature Report

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2013 2013. 5. 28 ~ 30

Working-level Workshop Meeting

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 51

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2013

Overview NEAR Working-level Workshop is held annually at the end of May, for working-level officials in charge of NEAR affairs to discuss ways of exchange between and cooperation among member regions.

This year, 103 people representing 48 regions, from China(6), Japan(13), South Korea(12), Mongolia(12), Russia(4), attended the 8th NEAR Working–level Workshop 2013 and shared their opinions and promoted friendship between May 28 and 30, in Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do Province.

During the meeting, there were a special lecture on the topic of the Social Enterprise Activation Plan by Professor Kim Young-chul of Research Institute on Sharing and Responsibility, and the opportunity to learn from cases of Social Enterprises in each member region.

In addition, after a discussion around, and suggestions pertaining to, NEAR’s specific services for Northeast Asian regions’ development, the attendees moved to Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea, which will hold the NEAR General Assembly in 2014, and visited 2013 Suncheon Bay Garden EXPO 2013 as part of “Discover NEAR Members’ program.

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NEAR Working-level Workshop 2013

Welcoming Banquet and Performance for Celebrating the Workshop Working-level officials from 5 countries, China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Russia, arrived at the Philos Hotel in Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, later than originally planned due to the rain. However, the excitement and expectation was more intense than ever.

Starting from Secretary General Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welcoming remarks and each memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representative offering a toast, working-level officials from each member region built closer personal ties with each other. The first day of the Workshop finished with both a Korean traditional 1

fanning dance and a sound- of-drumperformance, in celebration of the NEAR Working-level Workshop 2013.

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Day-1

5. 28

1. The Welcoming Remarks of Secretary General Kim 2. Registration for Participation in NEAR Working-level Workshop 3~5. Welcoming Banquet 6, 7. Performance for Celebrating the Workshop

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NEAR Working-level Workshop 2013

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Day-2

level officials in charge of NEAR affairs.

Next, under the theme of understanding Social Enterprises, Professor Kim Young-chul of Research Institute on Sharing and Responsibility explained the role and direction of Social Enterprises in the special lecture. He noted that Social Enterprises had been introduced to facilitate social economy but had also been used to create jobs. Therefore, Social Enterprises should not only function as a means to increase the number of employees but also as a facilitator for social cooperation and reciprocity.

Han Sang-kook, director of the Northeast Cooperation team from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Korea, gave a lecture on current state of cooperation between Korea-China-Japan. Korea11

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China-Japan is the third largest economy, followed

by NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and the EU, and the cooperation among them is a

Working-level Workshop Meeting Secretary General Kim explained that this

for this reason, the role of NEAR in peaceful

network among working-level officials of NEAR

cooperation in Northeast Asia is increasing.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 51

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China,

participating in “PioNAER” (or Professional

explained the development and role of current

Internship Program of NEAR) in his welcoming

private enterprise, and Toyama Prefecture, Japan,

remarks. The Working-level Workshop 2013

reported on the current state of Social Enterprises

officially began after Park Seung-ho, Mayor of the

and their successful cases at the case presentation.

City of Pohang, had honored working-level officials

Govisumber Province, Mongolia, delivered a

from all five countries gathered in Pohang City, a

presentation on the government’s role for corporate

big steel town and a leader in the South Korean

social responsibility. Dornogovi Province explained

economy.

its exchange and cooperation activities with China

Before the special lecture, the Secretariat

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co-prosperity in Northeast Asia. He indicated that

workshop plays an important role in building a members, and he asked for member regions’

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future-oriented mechanism for peace and

and Russia, upon geographical location, as well as

reported on the Secretariat’s major services and

exchange and cooperation in the area of health key

achievements over the past year and management

industry with Japan. Sakhalin Region, Russia,

direction for NEAR of the coming year to working-

presented cases of cooperation development with

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NEAR Working-level Workshop 2013

South Korea, while Altai Territory explained Social

October.

Finally, after Participants had visited the Steel

Enterprises’ support policies.

Republic of Shakha, Russia, gave a presentation

Production line of POSCO (the Pohang Iron and

on the topic of Asia Sports and suggested the

Steel Company), the top steelmaker worldwide, the

opening of a NEAR Sub-Committee regarding

workshop was closed, with farewell dinner prepared

Sports.

to alleviate the sadness of departing against a beautiful background of Pohang city’s night view.

Ondard, director of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Republic of Tuva, Russia, requested NEARʼs active role and cooperation such

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as dispatching Korean language teachers to Russia as part of PioNEAR (or Professional Internship Program of NEAR).

Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea, promoted the 9th NEAR Working Committee and SubCommittee on Agriculture, which will be held in September 2013, and Shandong Province, China promoted Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development & Coordination, which will be held in

15 18. Visit to Dream Bridge

8. Congratulatory message of Park Seung-ho, Mayor of the City of Pohang 9. The Welcoming Remarks of Secretary General Kim 10. NEAR Working-level Workshop Meeting 11. S pecial Lecture on Understanding Social Enterprises, by Professor Kim Young-chul of Research Institute on Sharing and Responsibility 12. L ecture on Current State of Cooperation between Korea-China-Japan, by Han Sang-kook, Director of the Northeast Cooperation Team from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Korea, 13. P resentation on Current State of Social Enterprises and its Successful Cases, by Director Takekuma Toshihito, Toyama Prefecture 14. P resentation on Altai Territory’s support policy for Social Enterprises, Expert Maxim Tatarkin, Altai Territory, Russia 15. Ondard, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Republic of Tuva, Russia (left) and Secretary General Kim (middle) 16. Visit to POSCO 17. Farewell Banquet

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19. The Korean and Russian Delegation 20. The Chinese Delegation 21. The Japanese Delegation

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Discover Jeollanam-do Province: the Suncheon Bay Garden Expo Participants visited Suncheon Lake Garden designed by Charles Jencks, a world-famous landscape architect and designer; the road on which lugworms walk designed by Whang Ji-hye, a Korean winner at the Chelsea Flower Show for two years in a row; and Dream Bridge lined with 140,000 pictures, including those on children’s dreams. Even though they only had a short time to look around, it was a good opportunity for participants to find out about Korean ecology and World horticulture.

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The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

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NEAR Member Tour

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Overview Kyoto Prefecture, located in the centre of Japan, has a total area of 4,613.21 square kilometers and runs from north to south. Bordering the East Sea to the north, its climate is divided into the seashore type and inland type by the Tanba highlands located in the centre. With complex rias coast in northern region, there are many scenic spots and natural harbors.

Sea side of Kyo

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Land side of K yoto

Avanchinskaya Peninsula, Kamchatka Territory, Russia

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 51

NEAR Member Tour

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

International Exchange Kyoto Prefecture has increased mutual understanding through exchange with people who speak another language, engage in different lifestyles, and come from other cultures; moreover, it has promoted international exchanges with overseas regions by cooperating with citizens in order to contribute to global peace.

It has ties of friendship with 5 regions, including Shanxi Province, Yogyakarta Special Region of Indonesia, Oklahoma State of the United States, Leningrad of Russia and Edinburgh of England and is in exchange relations in a variety areas such as culture, art, and youth activities. Above this, it has regional exchange with Beijing and Dalian City, China, Pohang City, South Korea, and Nakhodka City, Russia, centered on specific areas such as trade, economy, tourism.

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4 1. New Cars, Akamatsu and Aomatsu on the Kitakinki Tango Railway 2. ‘Sun Princess’ touching at Maizuru Harbor 3. H amazume (Yuhigaura Hot Spring) and Kumihama, Strategic Hub of Kyotango City 4. The Cover of ‘Another Kyoto Passport’

'Another Kyoto' Project Northern Kyoto (Fukuchiyama City, Maizuru City, Ayabe City, Miyazu City, Kyōtango City, Ine Town, and Yosano Town) which borders the East Sea, prospered as the window for exchange with continent since ancient times and became important in the myth of Japanʼs birth. Located in northern Kyoto are Amanohashidate, one of Japanʼs three scenic views; Geo Park, a topographic museum, in the Sanin Region; Kyoto Maizuru Harbor, the East gate Harbor of North Asia and Kinki Region. Ineno Funeya, a Japanese drama and filming location, is also from there.

Its abundant resources include beautiful sand beaches, hot springs, flora and fauna, and a romantic history, and food in plenty all year round. However, compared to downtown Kyoto, it is not well known at home and abroad, and most people do not know that a sea exists in Kyoto.

For this reason, with the opening of Kyoto-Jukan and Maizuru-Wakasa expressways and by maintaining Kyoto Maizuru Harbor and by restoring Kitakinki Tango Railway by 2014, the movement of people and goods is expected to increase rapidly by land and sea centered on the northern part of Kyoto.

Under the influential slogan ‘Another Kyoto’, Kyoto Prefecture promotes ‘creating a sightseeing city’ in terms of shape and non-shape to make the northern Kyoto a competitive force in the tourism area in Japan.

The first step is to build a strategic base. So that it appeals to everyone, one strategic base for focused improvement should be built in one city and hall, and attractive places will be built by unifying the exterior of roads and motels into a design based on its history and culture.

The Second step is to improve the foundation for tourism exchange. To change one-day travel to travel over a longer period that has a higher economic impacts, a wide area sightseeing system connecting strategic bases will be established.

The third step is to strategically promote sightseeing over wide areas. Sightseeing promotion activities under the unified topic of ‘Another Kyoto’ project and planning for tourism and strategic promotion activities to show off the foreign market’s features will be implemented effectively.

Meanwhile, specific efforts have already begun. For example, the new cars ‘Akamatsu’ and ‘Aomatsu’ designed by Mitooka Eiji, were introduced in Kitakinki Tango Railway on 14 April. New cars designed with a pine trees theme that represents the spectacular East Sea scenery will attract residents of member regions. In addition, a design contest was held to convey to tourists the richness of nature and the history/ culture of Kyotoʼs northern region.

Further, as Kyoto ring expressway 2 was reopened on 21 April, and it was directly connected to KyotoJukan and Meishin Expressway, rendering the upper and middle sections of Kyoto more accessible. With the reopening, Kyoto Prefecture and the West Nippon Expressway launched the ‘Kyoto of Sea’ campaign which provides people with unlimited access to use Kyoto-Jukan Expressway ‘Yosano Amanohashidate IC~ Kyotanbawachi’, and Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway ‘Fukuchiyama IC~Maizuru IC’ for 3 days. Descriptions of Tourist attractions in the northern part of Kyoto and a Passport for Another Kyoto, including discount coupons for restaurants and souvenir shops, have been distributed in rest areas.

Besides, with its function — handling three ships, including the international maritime container, International ferry, RoRo ship, and cruise ship—Maizuru Harbor was selected as the hub harbor, bound for the East Sea in November 2011 and has engaged in promotional activities for cruise ships. Large cruise ships such as the Sun Princess and Diamond Princess were decided to call more than 10 times on 15 May. Local residents started the activity to create a sightseeing city along with maintaining transport infrastructure. Kyoto strives to make its northern region a leading tourist attraction with an activity program called “creating inland Kyoto” centered in Kyoto City, scheduled for completion in 2015.

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NEAR Member Tour

Kamchatka Territory, Russia

Kamchatka Territory, Russia

Krasnaya Sopka, Ski Report

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 51

Kamchatka territory has infinite investment potential based on abundant natural resources, including fishery resources, such as salmon, underground resources in Kamchatka peninsula and the sandbank, and pure nature environment.

Kamchatka territory has been blessed with a wonderful natural environment that can develop tourism and leisure industries by using industries based on abundant resources and the distinctive topography. In particular, its high temperatureʼs hot spring and mineral springs, volcanoes and glaciers, well-known geyser, habitats where most animals and plants that were created with civilization live are considered an advantage.

A majority of Kamchatkaʼs economic activity is composed of development of fishery and underground resources, construction, tourism, electricity industry, transportation and communication using geothermal energy. Areas of promise for industry in Kamchatka include biological resources, tourism, mineral resources, and infrastructure development.

First, Fisheries has formed Kamchatkaʼs economic foundation for a long time.

Kamchatkaʼs fish catch accounts for 25 % of Russiaʼs total catch. Kamchatka currently requires not only the production of marine products but also skills of processing and distribution. Therefore, capital investment on fisheries has been growing for the last four years. At present, such investment amounts to 75 hundred million ruble. During the same period, vessels for transporting new goods and production capacity to ship more than 2,600 tons of products a day were prepared.

Large-cold storage facilities that could store 30,000 tons of marine products have been prepared. To produce high-quality products with high profitability, 13 stateof-the-are plants for processing marine products were constructed, which generated more than 1,500 jobs.

Two plants that can produce 350 and 280 tons of complete products a day, respectively , are under construction. The plants will soon be operational.

In the future, investment projects to breed and process fish, shellfish, and seaweed, which are main materials for food and cosmetic industries and are in strong demand of Asian and Pacific nations, are expected to be implemented.

Using the abundant mineral water coming from various regions in Kamchatka Peninsula, vegetables can be cultivated throughout the year. Plans to construct a greenhouse complex with area of 60,000㎡ in Eco-Bystrinsky District region, are underway; the said complex using hot spring will allow three crops cycles per year.

NEAR Member Tour

Kamchatka Territory, Russia

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1. Avanchinskaya Bay 2. Zhirovaya Bay 3. Mutnovskaya Geothermal Power Plant 4. Asachinskoe Gold Deposit 5. Vityaz-Avto, Fish Processing Plant 6. Helliskiing on the on the slope of Volcano Viluchinsky 7. Development Equipment for Mineral Resources

In addition, construction of a processing plant for environment-friendly organic venison is in the works. Demand of enriched venison is increasing in many countries, including South Korea. Thus, large-scale production is expected.

Meanwhile, tourism in Kamchatka holds promise. Kamchatka peninsula is one of the regions in the country that preserves its primitive nature (distinctive natural landscape, volcanoes, and geysers). Snow on mountain tops gives the ski tourism industry ideal conditions.

At present, Kamchatka is one of the popular Russian vacation spots to enjoy winter sports. Kamchatka plans to construct a modern resort city for professional and amateur skiers and snowboarders in four Southern places.

A rehabilitation treatment center for medical tourists will also be built at hot spring. The project, which is jointly developed with Ecosign corporate of Canada, includes construction of hotel and lift, slope along the top of mountain, center in downtown Kamchatka, skiing base, and vacation spots, such as Paratunsk with hot spring in mountain, and Avachinsky in the hillside of volcanic island. When the buildings are constructed, members of Russiaʼs national team will use the facilities as off-season training area. A hot spring equipped with mud and mineral baths will be established as parts of major well-being center for rehabilitation.

Another big project is to construct ‘Paratunka’ tourism and leisure cluster in a site over 360 ha in area based in hot spring. The cluster is divided into seven investment sites. Each site will be constructed as a type of facility for the camping and ski resort as treatment and vacation center. A Water park, including a beach, tourist hotel, coffee shop, parking lot, and Red Sail Center for children and the youth will be established in one of the investment sites. Budget for constructing infrastructure, such as transportation, public and energy facilities, will come from Kamchatka territory and the federal government.

Kamchatka is rich in abundant and useful underground resources, such as gold, platinum, silver, gas, and nickel. Its mining industry is growing as a new industry to create jobs . Kamchatka plans to develop gold and silver mining by 2018.

One of the most promising projects is the development of <Ametist>

which has a production capacity of 600,000 tons a year.

Another innovative project involves extracting nano powder silicon from Kamchatkaʼs hot springs. Nano powder is used as material for construction and paint, absorbent, catalyst, and feed additives, among others.

Nanosilkaʼs application currently received positive reviews from the Science and Technology Committee of RUSNANO. To implement abovementioned investment projects, the condition of the areaʼs road should be improved. The development of road and air transportation is a priority of Kamchaktaʼs government. PetropavlovskKamchatsky is a region that can only be reached by plane. Therefore, the length of the runway is 2.5km to 3.4 km and is designed to accommodate all kinds of aircraft. Construction of the runway is underway. The airport complex meets global standards and has a processing capacity of 600 passengers per hour.

Another project is the building of a new port used for marine transportation in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. A new dock will be built for world-standard cruisers to anchor. Furthermore, the dock can facilitate the movement of residents living near Kamchatka territory and the Far East to marine transportation.

These projects present a basic step toward a transportation and distribution center with modern terminal facilities that meet global standards for commerce and business services. With its geographical position, Kamchakta territory can become an international distribution hub for Europe, the United States, and South-east Asia.

Kamchatkaʼs government that recognizes the need to attract investment for economic development will make an effort to make a favorable investment environment for the region.

The government is currently supporting plans that attract investors. It is building a national support complex system for investment activities and developing the legal framework to implement public-private partnerships in investments. Preferentially, the project is exempt from taxes. Kamchatka supports the activation of infrastructure investment business by creating investment funds with <development corporate for Kamchatka > and supporting their lending rate.

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. 054-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail neargov@hotmail.co.kr Website www.neargov.org