Near news vol.65(ENG)

NEAR One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR 2015. 11-12

Vol.

News

65 The 10 th Working Committee's Participants

Special Feature

The 10th Working Committee held

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I Schedule of NEAR Member

Feature Report

Traditional Puzzles of Mongolia

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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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Visit to Taltsy Museum at the 10th Working Committee

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NEAR is... a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 78 regional governments (73 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 humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border 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.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

Special Feature

The 10th Working Committee held

Special Feature

The 10th Working Committee held The 10th Working Committee was held on October 13-16, 2015 at Irkutsk Region, Russia- a chair region.

The Working committee was attended by more than 100 people from four regions of China, three regions of Japan, seven regions of Korea, seven regions of Mongolia, two regions of Russia, and one observer region of China.

On the first day’s opening ceremony, welcome speech by Governor of Irkutsk Region, congratulatory speech by NEAR Secretary General, and congratulatory speeches by Consul Generals of China, Korea, and Mongolia in Irkutsk, were followed by NEAR activity reports, presentations by member regions and NEAR’s current issues(introduction of membership fee system, revision of NEAR Charter, and plan to promote Sub-Committees), as well as discussions. On the second day, participants had industrial and cultural tour.

Activity Report of the Association and the NEAR Secretariat

Jeollanam-do Province, the 10th chair region of NEAR reported on the 10th General Assembly held in 2014. The 10th General Assembly dealt with the following items: new membership, revision of NEAR Charter, selection of next chair region, introduction of NEAR membership fee system, plan to promote SubCommittees, NEAR Secretary General’s singing contest, and activity reports of eight Sub-Committees.

In the activity report led by the NEAR Secretariat, proposal to develop NEAR was presented with promotion of exchange and cooperation between member regions and new membership, promotion of Sub-Committees which show poor performances of hosting the meetings, establishment of cooperative networks with international organizations, promotion of the NEAR International Forum, production and distribution of NEAR Annual Report and promotional video, improvement of working environment for staff dispatched from member

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 64

The 10th Working Committee held

regions, finding main projects in which member regions are interested, and report on the budget in 2015.

Activity Report on the Sub-Committees NEAR Sub-Committee is composed of 14, but the number of Sub-Committee held in the past two years amounts to eight. Among them, six Sub-Committee coordinating regions delivered a presentation at the Working Committee. The details are as follows.

The Sub-Committee on Ocean and Fisheries (Shandong Province, China) was said to make an atmosphere of sharing a variety of opinions with lectures by experts in financial support for ocean economy and marine science technology research. Also, the Sub-Committee to be held in October 2015 was promoted.

The Sub-Committee on Environment (Toyama Prefecture, Japan) reported on production of drift art and exhibition of environment poster for the SubCommittee on Environment to be held. The Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention (Hyogo Prefecture, Japan) raised participants’ understanding on disaster prevention by exchanging opinions with international disaster prevention organizations. The Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange (Shimane Prefecture, Japan) themed ‘understanding of various

transparency and reliability should be secured by introducing budget, accounts,

cultures’ was held aimed at students and established ‘friendship network’

approval, and audit through project plan. Meanwhile, Inchoen Metropolican

through various programs such as homestay and experience of Japanese culture.

City, South Korea promoted international events held in Incheon Metropolitan

The Sub-Committee received participants’ good reviews and the Sub-

City and Gyeonggido Province, South Korea, promoted the current situation of

Committee on Economy and Humanities Exchange held in August reported on

its science and technology policies. Khubsgul Province of Mongolia introduced

activity report themed “Promotion of economy distribution in Northeast Asia.”

the status of its tourism. Lastly, Irkutsk of Russia finished the meeting explaining investment attraction and support plan for special economic zone for

Presentation by Member Regions

tour and leisure.

Shimane Prefecture, Japan made a mention of NEAR’s problem such as the decline in participation rates, the project performed without member regions’

The Agreement of the 10th NEAR Working Committee

approval, and hosting of higher-valued conferences. To address these issues, a

In this meeting, the participating delegates discussed on the agendas of

month’s notice before conference would increase participation rates and system

application for hosting the 12th General Assembly, revision of NEAR Charter,

to approve project plan in written form should be built. Also, budget system’s

report on the current situation of the Sub-Committees, and membership fee

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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The 10th Working Committee held

system regulation.

The General Assembly has agreed on the following items:

3. Report on the Sub-Committees and Discussion on its Improvement Plan.

The Secretariat proposed an improvement measurement for Sub-

1. Application for Hosting of the General Assembly 2018

Committee operation after research on the actual condition of Sub-

The application for hosting of the 12th General Assembly in 2018 was

Committees targeting 14 Sub-Committee coordinators. In particular, the Sub-

officially submitted by Hunan Province, China and was decided by the

Committees which haven’t been held for a long period would be jointly hosted

participating delegates to officially submit the proposal to the 11th General

with relevant Sub-Committees or will hand over the right to host the Sub-

Assembly in 2016 to be discussed and decided.

Committee to other Sub-Committees.

2. Proposal to revise NEAR Charter The NEAR Secretariat newly added Article 4-1 (Associate Membership of Scope) to develop NEAR.

4. Proposal to Set Regulations for the NEAR Membership Fee System The NEAR Secretariat has laid down regulations for the NEAR Membership Fee system to gain transparency and reliability in operating the system as

Before Revision

follow-up action of the proposal to introduce Membership Fee system

Article 6 (Structure and Operation of the General Assembly) The General

suggested at the 10th General Assembly in 2014 and delivered a presentation

Assembly is the supreme legislative body of the Association, which consists of

on it with opinion survey conducted targeting member regions. The regulation

representatives of member organizations, and is held biennially.

for the Membership Fee system will be submitted to the 11th General

After Revision

Assembly in 2016 by reflecting member regions’ opinions.

Article 6 (Structure and Operation of the General Assembly) The General Assembly is the supreme legislative body of the Association, which consists of heads of member organizations, and is held biennially.

Industrial Tour After the meeting, Participants visited Irkutsk Taltsy Museum, Listvyanka beach, Lake Baikal, and Irkutsk downtown and experienced Russian

Before Revision Article 9 (Resolution) (2) The participants specified under clause 1 to 8 of Article 8 shall be resolved by a majority of the members present and a two-thirds majority of the members voting.

After Revision Article 9 (Resolution) (2) The participants specified under clause 1 to 8 of Article 8 shall be resolved by a majority of the members present and a majority of the members voting.

Some member regions expressed different opinions regarding Associate Membership system and quorum for resolution. The agenda was decided to be submitted to the 11th General Assembly in 2016.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 65

traditional culture and Siberian natural environment.

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities

NEAR Activities Activity Report on the Sub-Committees: SubCommittee on Economy and Humanities Exchange (Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea)

Activity Report on the Sub-Committees: SubCommittee on Ocean and Fisheries (Shandong Province, China)

The 11th Sub-Committee on Economy and Humanities Exchange was held on August 26~28 at Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea. A total of 63 people from 22 member regions of five countries were in attendance (four member regions from China, two from Japan, six from Korea, eight from Mongolia, and two from Russia). The Sub-Committee was held themed ‘Promotion of economy and logistics exchange in Northeast Asia.’ The Sub-Committee included topic speech by Professor Ha Young-seok from Keimyung University and special lecture by Lim Ho-yeol, Head of Korean Institute for International Economic Policy. Participants from China, Japan, Mongolia, Russia, and Korea delivered a case presentation on promotion of regional economy. After the meeting, participants visited “Silk Road Cultural Festival in Gyeongju 2015” as a part of cultural exchange program.

The Sub-Committee on Ocean and Fisheries was held on October 28~30 at Weihai City, Shandong Province, China, in the name of “Summit forum for fisheries, economy, and trade cooperation in Northeast Asia and senior forum for Chinese sea cucumber industry.” It was attended by more than 250 people, including Shandong Province’s Vice Governor, NEAR Secretary General, Japanese Consul General in Qingdao, and delegates of member regions. In the Sub-Committee, member regions of China, Korea, and Mongolia introduced fishery industry-related policies and fishery industry companies delivered a case presentation. After the meeting, participants visited Shandong Fisheries

Activity Report on the Sub-Committees: SubCommittee on Agriculture (Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea) The 2nd Sub-Committee on Agriculture was held on October 22~23, 2015

and Seafood Expo and sea cucumber farm.

The NEAR International Forum held (November 18~20)

at Youngam County, Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea, themed ‘Action

The NEAR International Forum is to be held on November 18~20 at the

plan of sustainable eco-friendly agriculture.’ The 2nd Sub-Committee was

Hilton Millennium Seoul, South Korea. The NEAR International Forum has

participated by more than 60 people from 17 regions of five countries. A

been held every year since 2007 to address all issues related to Northeast

keynote speech titled ‘Research on Korean organic farming and technology

Asian regions and prepare joint reactions at the regional government’s level and its marks its 7th anniversary.

system’ by Kim Seok-cheol, Director of National Institute of Agriculture Sciences was followed by presentation on high income life and agriculture

In particular, this year’s International Forum provided a platform for in-

promotion plan by Director of Jeollanam-do Province’s Agricultural Policy

depth discussion and sharing information by inviting great scholars and

Division. After the speech, each member region gave a presentation on action

experts in disaster and safety control as well as regional governments along

plan for eco-friendly agriculture and case studies. In particular, Mongolian

with delegates of each NEAR member.

member regions had higher interest in agriculture and tried to show efforts to benchmark best cases. On the next day, participants visited “International

Session Topic

Agricultural Exhibition” along with visit to Rice Processing Complex(RPC)

Session1: Disaster and Disaster Prevention (presented by Korea and Japan)

and Paprika farm. They looked around exhibit halls related to Korean

Session2: Economy and Disaster (presented by China and Mongolia)

agricultural technologies.

Session3: Disaster and Cooperation (presented by Russia and Korea)

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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Secretariat News

Secretariat News 1. Support for the 10th Working Committee and Sub-Committees

presentation on tour to Gyeongsangbuk-do, Taekwondo and B-boy performance were provided. Gyeongsangbuk-do Province designated August 8 as ‘China’s Tourism Day’ and decided to celebrate the anniversary.

In the 10th Working Committee (Irkutsk Region, Russia), Sub-Committee on Economy and Humanities Exchange held in August (Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea), Sub-Committee on Agriculture held in October (Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea), Sub-Committee on Ocean and Fisheries (Shandong Province, China), NEAR Secretary General Jun Jae-won encouraged member regions to carry out practical exchange through congratulatory remarks and every expert of the NEAR Secretariat gave their support for the event, including promotion of events and provision of interpreting and translating service. As a result, the Working Committee and Sub-Committees were successfully held.

2. The Professional Internship Program of NEAR MOU Signed between NEAR, Tuvan State University (Russia), and Keimyung University (Korea)

Special Lecture Delivered at the Chungbuk Research Institute

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments (NEAR), Tuvan State University, and Keimyung University signed a MOU to promote the Professional Internship Program of NEAR(PioNEAR) based on mutual trust.

Each organization will contribute to creating jobs for young people of regions by discussing matters relating to co-development and promotion of friendship as well as cooperation for youth internship program.

NEAR Secretary General Jun Jae-won delivered a special lecture themed

3. NEAR Secretary General Participated in a Variety of Events Participation in ‘China’s Tourism Day’ On August 8. ‘China and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province’s Tourism Day’ took place at the Hilton Hotel, Gyeongju. The event was attended by more than 400

‘Xian-Base of China’s Western Region and Chungbuk’s Advance Strategy’ on August 26(Wed), 2015 at the Chungbuk Research Institute at the invitation of Chungcheongbuk-do Province and had discussion with participants.

Participation in the Trilateral Regional Government Cooperative Meeting in Jilin Province

people, including Chinese tourists and Chinese students living in Korea.

The Secretariat delegation headed by Secretary General Jun Jae-won visited

Among the dignitaries present were Joo Nak-young, Vice Governor of

Changchun, Jilin Province on August 30-31 to attend Trilateral Regional

Gyeongsnagbuk-do Province; Jun Jae-won, NEAR Secretary General; Yan

Government Cooperative Meeting at the invitation of the People’s

Fenglan, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Busan.

Government of Jilin Province, China. Secretary General Jun was attendance at

A variety of events such as signing of agreement, Chinese student’s

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 65

the meeting with Jiang Chaoliang, Governor of Jilin, signing ceremony of

Secretariat News

friendship agreement between Gyeongsangbuk-do and Jilin Province, and

held in the middle of October and the International Forum to be held in the

welcome banquet. On the second day, he made a presentation on plans for

middle of November.

cooperation of Korea, China, and Japan while introducing NEAR.

He participated in the banquet and meeting with Mongolian member regions on September 22. Od-Ser, Governor of Govisumber Province, Gankhuyag, Vice Governor of Henti Province, and Munkhbayar, Vice Governor of Uvurkhangai Province were in attendance at the meeting.

Secretary General Jun requested Mongolia’s interest in upcoming Working Committee and NEAR International Forum. He stated that although NEAR has grown due to Mongolian members’ support for NEAR, there are many improvements to be made.

Od-Ser, Governor of Govisumber Province said that he would like to establish friendly relations with Korean regional governments and is interested in training programs for public officials. Gankhuyag, Vice Governor of Henti Province hoped to expand exchange in tourism through NEAR. Munkhbayar, Vice Governor of Uvurkhangai Province expressed his interest in Korean

Meeting with Vice Governor of Shaanxi Province, China

medical tour.

Secretary General Jun Jae-won met with delegation led by Jiang Feng, Vice Governor of Shaanxi Province, China on September 11 (Fri) and discussed the plans to improve exchange in economy and culture with Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in a sisterhood relationship with Shaanxi Province while introducing NEAR. Vice Governor served as a Mayor and Secretary of Xianyang City of Shaanxi Province and was inaugurated as Vice Governor (Industry and Culture) of Shaanxi Province in April, 2015.

Participation in the Northeast Asian Mayors Forum and Meeting with Mongolian Members

Meeting with Governor of Irkutsk Region at the 10th Working Committee

Secretary General Jun Jae-won participated in the Northeast Asian Mayors Forum held in Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia on September 21~22 at the invitation of Ulaanbaatar City. The Northeast Asian Mayors Forum co-hosted

by Ulaanbaatar City and the Asian foundation was held in frames of ongoing development of the city’s “green strategy.” Participants convened to discuss common challenges such as urban green growth issues, strategies, green life and education, clean city and sustainable energy, city transportation system, and air pollution.

In the afternoon, he met with Enkhsengel, Vice Mayor of Ulaanbaatar at the reception room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mongolia. Enkhsengel,

NEAR Secretary General Jun met with Levchenko Sergey, Governor of

Vice Mayor stated that he hopes to expand exchange and cooperation with

Irkutsk Region as a part of participating in the Working Committee hosted by

other cities through NEAR as NEAR plays an important role for exchange and

Irkutsk Region, Russia and requested its interest and cooperation for NEAR as

cooperation with Northeast Asian regional governments. Secretary General

a chair region expressing his congratulatory greetings to Levchenko for being

Jun Jae-won requested Ulaanbaatar’s continued interest and support for

appointed as a new Governor. Also, Secretary General Jun expressed his

NEAR and asked Ulaanbaatar to participate in the Working Committee to be

gratitude for supporting the Working Committee. He agreed to make efforts to

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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Secretariat News / NEAR Member News

host General Assembly to be held in 2016 marking the 20th anniversary of

Cluster is established to realize high value, create sustainable jobs, and train

NEAR’s founding and discussed a way to develop NEAR.

new growth engines by “building a platform to promote regional special industry based on ICBM and Software Convergence enterprises.”

Participation in the Opening Ceremony of Gyeongbuk Software Convergence Cluster Center NEAR Secretary General Jun Jae-won participated in the opening ceremony of “Gyeongbuk Software Convergence Cluster Center” at the Pohang Techno Park on October 27(Tue). The opening ceremony was held with presentation on cluster project progress and action plan, welcome and congratulatory speeches by participants, and photo time. Gyeongbuk Software Convergence

NEAR Member News China- Ningxiahui Autonomous Region

Japan- Aomori Prefecture

The China-Arab States Expo 2015

Korea-Japan Festival

Board Hanging Ceremony of the China-Arab Technology Transfer Center

The China-Arab States Expo 2015 was held on September 10~13 in Yinchuan City, Ningxiahui Autonomous Region, China. The expo has been successfully held to enhance exchange and cooperation between China and Arab States by a series of events such as senior-level forums and professional exhibitions under the topic “Spreading the Silk Road spirit, increasing Sino-

The ‘Korea-Japan Festival 2015 in Seoul’ was held on September 19~20 in

Arab cooperation” with the purpose of “ Increasing friendships, cooperation

Sinchon and at the COEX convention center, Seoul, Korea. The festival held

and development.”

for friendly interactions and cultural exchanges between the two countries was

Main events were held in the framework of “164.” “1” represents opening ceremony and events related to the guest of honor(Jordan). “6” represents six

participated by many tourists in that the festival shows both country’s various cultures.

forums and conferences, including China-Arab Trade and Industry Forum,

Since the first festival was held in 2005, Aomori Prefecture has participated

Online Silk Road Forum, China-Arab Health Cooperation Forum, China-Arab

in the festival almost every year. This year, Aomori Prefecture prepared stages

senior seminar for agriculture, China-Arab Tourism Conference, and China-

to show ‘Tsugaru Samisen’ with string instruments using three strings used for

Arab Technology Transfer and Innovation Conference. “4” represents four

Japanese traditional music,” ‘Tsugaru Folk,’ and ‘Tsugaru dancing.’

exhibits, including Online Silk Road and Cloud Computing Technology and

Moreover, the chance to experience to color wooden dolls at the booth

Application Exhibition 2015, China-Arab High-tech and Equipment

jointly built with Jeju Island was offered. Also, ‘Aomori Nebuta’-Japan’s

Exhibition, China-Arab Modern Agriculture Exhibition &China(Ningxia)

representative summer festival and ‘Tachinebuta in Goshogawara’ were

Horticulture Expo, and China-Arab Culture and Art Show.

exhibited.

Four day’s China-Arab Expo built a platform in order for China and Arab

The festival was designed to show Aomori Prefecture’s attraction to all

States to increase exchange and cooperation with many countries and regions

participants. And, the event is expected to lead to promoting exchange

in each field.

between both countries.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 65

NEAR Member News

Japan- Toyama Prefecture G7 Toyama Environment Ministers Meetings 2016 held

The expo provided a wide range of experience programs along with exhibitions to allow visitors to experience five senses. During special event, a variety of events were prepared; unique agricultural products garden contest, gardening contest, art exhibitions, photo exhibition of agriculture and rural tour, exhibition of potting plants, and exhibition of agricultural products tower.

Before the ministerial meetings 2016 (the Ise-Shima Summit), ‘G7 Toyama

Collateral events also took place; Neolttwigi, picking persimmons, making of

Environment Ministers Meeting 2016’ was decided to be held on May 15~16

nature soap along with experience events, performance of Provincial Korean

at the ‘Toyama International Conference Hall,’ Toyama City, Toyama

traditional music and b-boy, and Glory-Cultural Art Team.

Prefecture.

With a goal of ‘Environment·Energy Region of East Sea,’ Toyama Prefecture has promoted advanced reactions such as prohibition of plastic bags

The expo was a platform to promote agriculture’s value and development potentials to visitors and made a platform to arrange a bond of sympathy to share agricultural culture with people in agriculture and cities.

distribution throughout the regions of the prefecture, nature protection of Dateyama (located in Toyama), making of forest full of water and green, and introduction of renewable energy, including small hydroelectric power plants.

Also, NOWPAP(Northwest Pacific Action Plan)’s regional management department joined by four countries (Korea, China, Japan, and Russia) was established. In 2007, Toyama had actively engaged in international and environmental cooperation by hosting ‘Trilateral Environment Ministers Meeting.’ Toyama Prefecture was chosen to host the meeting because Toyama’s achievements were highly esteemed.

Toyama Prefecture will make full preparation to host the meeting in May, 2016 in partnership with the Ministry of Environment (MOE) of Japan and will appeal Toyama’s cutting edge environmental policies to participants from home and abroad.

South Korea- Busan Metropolitan City The 7th Busan Christmas Tree Festival to be held

International Conference Center to be held in 2016 and LRT(Light Rail Transit)

South Korea- Jeollanam-do Province The 12th International Agricultural Exhibition held

The Busan Christmas Tree Festival is scheduled for November 28, 2015 to

The International Agricultural Exhibition was held from October 15 to

January 3, 2016 at the Gwangbo-ro area, Busan Metropolitan City. The Busan

November 1 for 18 days at the Jeonnam Agricultural Research & Extension

Christmas Tree Festival was held in 2009 in Korea for the first time in winter

Services, Sanpo Myeon, Naju City, Jeollanam-do Province.

when special events are not commonly held contrary to spring and summer

In the 12th expo, themed ‘Life and Agriculture in harmony between nature and humanity,’ functional and processed products to create added value of

when spring flowers’ festival, beach cultural festival, and film festival are held.

agricultural products as well as environment-friendly agricultural technology

Themed, ‘the Light of love all over the world,’ the festival contains special

and equipment such as newly developed organic cultivation were exhibited.

meaning to revive Busan city and business districts which are still in recession

Also, infinite development potential of agriculture-low carbon green growth

along with helping neighbors in need. This year, many visitors are expected to

industry was suggested and the stability and excellence of eco-friendly

attend in several events such as illumination, photo zone full of story, cultural

agricultural products were promoted.

performance, and experience program participated by citizens.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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NEAR Member News

South Korea- Incheon Metropolitan City Incheon named World Book Capital 2015 Incheon Metropolitan City has tried to arrange a chance to show cultural value of Incheon and support book-related projects from April 23, 2015 to

Russia- Altai Territory Friendship Agreement Signed between Altai Territory, Russia and Gangwon-do Province, Korea Gangwon-do global expedition visited Altai Territory on August 10-13.

Bitali snesari, Vice Governor of Altai Territory established a friendship

April 22, 2016.

UNESCO designated every April 23 as the “World Book and Copyright

agreement with the global expedition in the field of economy and trade,

Day” and selects a book capital of the world from one of the five countries

scientific technology, and cultural cooperation between Altai Territory and

(Africa/Arab/Asia · Pacific/Europe · North America/ Latin America and

Gangwon-do Province.

Caribbean Sea) as the “World Book Capital” every year, starting from Madrid

During the visit, Gangwon-do global expedition visited Altai’s dairy products processing plant, vitamin and timber processing plant, and dietary

of Spain in 2001.

This year, Incheon Metropolitan City has been designated and carried out a

supplement processing plant. They looked over the process of antler

variety of projects under the slogan “Books for all.” This year’s main events

collecting, sealing, and storing. The business and investment meeting between

are as follows. (events posted after October 2015)

Gangwon-do Province and Altai Territory companies was held along with presentation on Gangwon-do Province’s economic potentials at the Business

Event

Korean Library Association General Conference 2015

Details Date: October 21~23, Convensia, Songdo Reading Promotion Seminar, Library Promotion Workshop

Note

Center of Altai Territory. Board of directors of Altai companies participated in the business and investment meeting. Also, Altai Territory exhibited honey, deer antlers, and herbal tea, and Gangwon-do Province exhibited dairy products, food, cosmetics, and sports equipment.

Altai Territory decided to deepen cooperation to provide organic products and medical herbs, honey, dietary supplements produced from natural ingredients.

Exhibition on Archival Culture of Korea and Incheon

Date: October 30~November 29, Incheon Metropolitan City Museum Exhibition of Goryeo and Joseon’s Archival Culture

The 1st Incheon Educontent Fair

Date: November 11~15, Convensia, Songdo Participated by 400 booths of 350 companies from 30 countries

Establishment of Integrated Electronic Library in Incheon City

Date: January ~April, 2016 Integrated Book Search and Checkout Service launched in six libraries in Incheon

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 65

In addition, both sides are planning to design a joint project.

Schedule of NEAR Member

Schedule of NEAR Member

November 2015. 11

Sunday

Monday 1

Tuesday

Wednesday

2

3

Thursday

Friday

4

5

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12

Saturday 6

7

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• Region : Irkutsk Region, Russia ‌• Event : ‘the Universe’s Sound’ Festival of international chamber and organ • When : November 4 • Where : Irkutsk City • Contact : C ‌ ulture and Ancient Document Division of Irkutsk Regional Government T.+7-3952-20-30-55

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10 • Region : Republic of Sakha, Russia • Event : The 5th ‘Communication, IT Technology, Security’ Expo • When : November • Where : ‌ Yakutsk City • Contact : M ‌ inistry of Roads and Transportation, Republic of Sakha

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• Region : Republic of Sakha, Russia ‌• Event : Sakha Prom Expo-2015: Mining, Oil, Gas Exploration and Production Expo • When : November • Where : Yakutsk ‌ City • Contact : ‌Housing Maintenance and Repair & Energy Division of Republic of Sakha

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• Region : Jeju Special Self Governing Province, South Korea • Event : S ‌ mart Grid Day Festival • When : November • Where : ‌ Jeju Island • Contact : ‌Energy Industry Division of Jeju Special Self Governing Province T.+82-64-710-4413

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• Region : Irkutsk Region, Russia • Event : T ‌ he 2nd International Baikal Cluster Forum ‘Klas TERRA’ Ventur Expo • When : November 19~21 • Where : ‌ Irkutsk Region • Contact : Economic Development Division of Irkutsk Regional Government

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24 • Region : Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia • Event : ‌Siberian Energy Forum • When : November 24~27 • Where : ‌ Krasnoyarsk City • Contact : ‌www.krasfair.ru T.+7-391-22-88-611

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25 • Region : Daegu Metropolitan City • Event : T ‌ he 10th International Materials, Parts & Components Exhibition • When : November 25~28 • Where : Daegu ‌ EXCO • Contact : S ‌ ecretariat of International Materials, Parts & Components Exhibition T. +82-53-384-7244

26 • Region : Daegu Metropolitan City • Event : 2‌ 015 Daegu International Machinery Industry Expo The 16th Daegu International Automatic Machinery Industry Expo • When : November 25~28 • Where : Daegu EXCO • Contact : S ‌ ecretariat of Daegu International Machinery Industry Expo T. +82-53-601-5065

•R egion : Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea •E vent : The 7th Busan Christmas Tree Festival •W hen : November 28~January 3, 2016 •W here : G ‌ wangbok Road •C ontact : C ‌ ulture and Art Division of Busan Metropolitan City T.+82-51-888-5051

30 • Region : Kamtchatka Territory, Russia • Event : Yelizovo's Tourism Goods Expo 'Winter 2015' • When : December • Where : Yelizovo City • Contact : 엘리조프스키 지역 경제발전국 Regional Economy Development Division of Yelizovo www.elizovomr.ru

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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Feature Report

Traditional Puzzles of Mongolia

Traditional Puzzles of Mongolia

by Khishigjargal, Mongolian Expert

Mongolian Folk Game, Interlocked Puzzle and Toys Mongolian says that “You can recognize a person’s real character by his child, You can recognize a person’s character by his toys.” Children can develope many functions by games, such as the ability to solve problems, creativity, mathematical inference-making ability, spatial skills, concentration, memory skills, cooperative spirit, and patience.

There are more than 3,000 games of 15 kinds played in Mongolia and 150 of them are currently playing.

The most representative games are like below: ‘Shagai’ which requires a set of sheep ankle bones, ‘Shatar’-Mongolian chess, ‘Khorol’-Mongolian domino, puzzles made of wood piece, bones of animals, and iron. Among them, NEAR News introduces puzzles which test the level of intelligence.

Puzzles are divided into 2 types: geometry puzzles (general type) and classical puzzles (artistic type).

Mongolian puzzles is special in that it is made in classical design with a variety of materials such as wood, gold, silver, iron, jewel, and bones of animals.

Mongolians widely used puzzles for children’s education. In particular, they have made toys made for kids’ age. The puzzle was classified for kids, juniors, adults, and contest according to the age groups who play with puzzle. In general, people consider fitting puzzles for kids is easy, but, it is also difficult to fit puzzles. Some studies have suggested that child’s thinking and memory skills are superior to adults.

Steel and Wood Toys with high difficulty level.

The demand survey conducted by Ulaanbaatar City’s souvenir shop shows that puzzle toys are the most popular toys purchased at the souvenir shop in Mongolians and Foreigners

Mongolia's Ger Puzzle. Puzzle started from Mongolia’s nomadic life.

Mongolians folded household goods such as bed, table, chair, and sheves, as well as portable lodge.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 64

Traditional Puzzles of Mongolia

Puzzled Silver Ring

A Mongolian Child experiencing foreign toys exhibited at the International Intellectual Museum

The Paradise of PuzzlesMongolia International Intellectual Museum There are dozens of chess sets and traditional Mongolian puzzle at the International Intellectual Museum, collected by curator Zandraa Tumen-Ulzii, a puzzle designer and collector.

These famous puzzle exhibits include ‘Eiffel Tower,’ ‘Statue of Liberty,’ ‘Chess.’ There are more than 1000 dolls from all over the world and 30 magical items used to show the magic trick and explain the principle of magic.

The most challenging puzzle is made with 5kg’s pure silver with guardian turtle motiff of Ulaanbaatar, Capital of Mongolia. As it is difficult to solve, challengers call it devil’s puzzle.

The foreiners who can solve the puzzles and fit it together again within 10 minites are supposed to receive $100,000 in reward, but, no foreigners could make it. Reporters from all over the world come to the International Intellectual Museum to cover the news.

When you visit Mongolia, please visit the ‘International Intellectual Museum.’ The visit to the museum and purchasing puzzles to develop intellegence at the souvenir shop will be the best gift to your children because the museum shows scientific principle with toys such as puzzles.

Mongolia’s International Intellectual Museum

The puzzles made of two pieces of wood seems very easy, but it is not seperated when we try.

Because it was made with centrifugal force, it can be seperated when puzzle is circled.

Children get to know the law of physics whily playing with the puzzles.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast 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