NEAR news vol.42 (JPN)

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

NEAR / /

NEAR

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NEAR This Month NEAR Activities l Secretariat News l NEAR Member News

Feature Report Nestling in the Warm Embrace of NEAR Secretariat and Northeast Asia

NEAR Member Tour Khentii Province of Mongolia

NEAR | NEAR Leading the Era of Northeast Asia

NEAR(201111)The 5th NEAR International Forum (1 Nov. 2011, The Westin Chosun Seoul)

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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).

vol. 42

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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, ocean & fisheries to tourism. Today, with the participation of North Korea and Mongolia and the accession of new member governments, NEAR encompasses 70 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 | NEAR This Month

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NEAR | NEAR Activities

The 5thNEAR International Forum 2011

and the Executive Meeting of NEAR Sub-Committees

Successfully Held in Seoul

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5. / 6. 1. Speakers(from left to right) Jae-Hyo Kim Secretary General of NEAR / Kwan-Yong Kim Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Prov., Korea

Sam-Kul Lee The 2nd Vice Minister of Public Administration and Security, KoreaSei-Young Cho Director General, Northeast Asian Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Korea

Young-Sun Lee President of Hallym Univ. Korea / Hee-Seung Na Principal Researcher, Korea Railroad Research Institute, KoreaZhu Mingyuan Research Professor, State Oceanic Administration, China / Norihiko Tanaka Director, CEARAC, Japan

Vladimir Kuchuk Advisor to the Governor of Khabarovsk Territory, Russia / Wang Yanjia Professor, Tsinghua Univ., ChinaMichle Sabban President of AER / D. Purevbayar Deputy Director, Energy Policy Dept., Ministry of Mineral Resources & Energy, Mongolia

2. Representatives from Japan at the welcoming reception 3. Secretary General Kim (center right) and the delegation of the Assembly of European Regions (President Michle SABBAN, center left)

4. Participants of the NEAR International Forum 2011 visited the residence of the Korean President (Blue House) 5. Gyeongbokgung Palace 6. European delegation listens carefully to the cultural tour guide

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The 5th NEAR International Forum 2011 and the Executive Meeting of NEAR Sub-Committees Successfully Held in Seoul

The 5th NEAR International Forum 2011 was held on 31 Oct-2 Nov. in Seoul, Korea, organized by the NEAR Secretariat. More than 170 representatives of NEAR member regions in five countries, central governments (the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade and the Ministry of Public Administration & Security), research institutes and universities gathered under the theme of Transformation of Northeast Asia in the 21st Century: Challenges and prospects in the 2010s. Organized in Seoul, the capital city of Korea, the forum also invited participation by international organizations, including the Assembly of European Regions led by President Michle Sabban, the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, the ASEAN-Korea Centre and the North East Asia Sub-regional Office of ESCAP, raising NEARs profile at the global stage as an exemplary organization dedicated to regional cooperation.

Opening with a keynote (Leadership of Northeast Asia in the 21st Century, a Century of Crisis by Young-Sun Lee, President of Hallym University, Korea) and a special speech (Northeast Asia in the 21st Century: From the European Perspective by Michle Sabban, President of the Assembly of European Regions), the forum was divided into three sessions focusing on energy, environment and logistics cooperation. Each session analyzed the geopolitical advantages, resources, technologies and consumer markets of the NEAR regions and mapped out measures to strengthen cooperation in effectively utilizing them.

The forum provided an opportunity to reaffirm the potential of Northeast Asia, enhance the sense of community and create a common ground for an inclusive, win-win growth among NEAR members. However, more remains to be done to identify concrete cooperation projects between regional governments and action plans to implement them.

In the meantime, heads of NEAR Sub-Committees gathered at an executive meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the forum, created shared understanding about the operational guidelines suggested by the Secretariat and agreed to reinvigorate Sub-Committees by considering new strategies such as hosting Sub-Committee meetings on a rotational basis. Such ongoing efforts are expected to produce tangible results in improving the functioning of NEAR bodies.

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NEAR Heads of Sub-Committees pose at the Executive Meeting of NEAR Sub-Committees

The Westin Chosun Seoul, the venue

of the 5th NEAR Intl Forum 2011

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The Agenda of the 5th NEAR International Forum 2011NEAR

09:00~09:30 Registration

09:30~10:00 Declaration of Opening * Opening remarks Jae-Hyo Kim Secretary General of NEAR * Welcoming remarks Kwan-Yong Kim Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Korea * Congratulatory remarks Suk-Hwan Park The 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Korea Sam-Kul Lee The 2nd Vice Minister of Public Administration and Security, Korea

10:00~10:25 Keynote Speech Young-Sun Lee President of Hallym University, Korea

10:25~10:40 Special Speech Michle Sabban President of the Assembly of European Regions

10:40~10:50 Coffee Break

10:50~12:00 Session 1 / Energy Investment in Northeast Asia

* Chair Ji-Chul Ryu Senior Fellow, Korea Energy Economics Institute, Korea * Speakers Wang Yanjia Professor, Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua Univ, China Dorjsurenkhorloo Khurelbaatar State Secretary, Ministry of Mineral Resource and Energy, Mongolia * Panelists Won-Soon Kwon Professor of Economics, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Korea Soo-Uk Park Principal Researcher, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Korea Ki-Ju Han Senior Research Fellow, Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, Korea Kenneth Backgaard Chairman of the AER Working Group on Energy and Climate Change,

Regional Councilor of Norrbotten County, Sweden

12:00~13:30 Luncheon

13:30~14:40 Session 2 / Logistics Cooperation for Coexistence in Northeast Asia

* Chair Hyung-Gon Jeong Senior Research Fellow, Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, Korea * Speakers Hee-Seung Na Principal Researcher, Korea Railroad Research Institute, Korea Bychenko Vladimir Nikolaevich Deputy Chairman of the Government of Khabarovsk Territory, Minister of

Industry and Transport, Russia

* Panelists Jun-Seok Kim Director, Ministry of Land Transport and Maritime, Korea Beom-Jung Kim Director General, Korea Maritime Institute, Korea Taih-yeong Lee Head, Logistics Technology & Freight Market Information Center,

Korea Transport Institute, Korea

Johan Hedin Business Development Manager for the Municipality of Pite Norrbotten County, Sweden

14:40~15:00 Coffee Break

15:00~16:10 Session 3 / Environmental Cooperation among Northeast Asian Regions

* Chair Lim-Seok Jhang Senior Researcher, National Institute of Environmental Research * Speakers Norihiko Tanaka Director, Special Monitoring & Coastal Environmental Assessment Regional Activity Centre,

Japan

Zhu Mingyuan Research Professor, First Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, China * Panelists Tong-Q Lee Director, Climate Change Team, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Korea Zhang Weiling Deputy Director General, Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Province, China

(Head of the NEAR Sub-Committee on Ocean and Fishery)

Tadashi Horiguchi Director, Environmental Policy Division, Civic Affairs, Environment & Culture Dept. of Toyama Pref. (Head of the NEAR Sub-Committee on Environment)

16:10~17:00 Closing Session / Summaries by three session chairs

* Closing remarks Jae-Hyo Kim Secretary General of NEAR

Interpretation: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian, Russian, English and French

09:00 ~ 09:30

09:30 ~ 10:00

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10:25 ~ 10:40 (AER)

10:40 ~ 10:50 Coffee Break

10:50 ~ 12:00

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14:40 ~ 15:00 Coffee Break

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The 3rd Sub-Committee on Science & Technology Seeks to Transform into a Collaboration Platform for All Players

The 3rd Sub-Committee on Science & Technology was held on 26-28 Oct. in Suwon City, Gyeonggi-do Province, Korea, co-hosted by Gyeonggi-do Province and the Gyeonggi Institute of Science & Technology Promotion (GISTP), a scientific think tank of Gyeonggi-do. Unlike former meetings, this Sub-Committee brought together not only public officials, but scientific research institutes to conduct in-depth, professional discussions under the theme of How to foster development of innovation clusters in Northeast Asia.

Participated by 44 people representing 20 organizations in China, Korea and Mongolia, the meeting started with the opening remarks by Vice Governor YOO Yeon-Chae and Secretary General KIM Jae-Hyo. Presentations were made on the development status of innovation clusters in Northeast Asia, while participants shared views and expectations on possible cooperation projects between NEAR members to enhance economic growth through innovation.

At the end of the meeting, participated regions adopted the Cooperation for the Development of Innovation Clusters in Northeast Asia and agreed to collaborate on studying and developing innovation cluster policies and cooperate for long and short-term human exchanges, seminars and forums.

Gyeonggi-do, the Coordinator of the Sub-Committee outlined its mid- and long-term plan to establish an Advisory Board as well as a NEAR Sub-Committee Alliance of all players from academia, business and industry to public and private organizations aimed at operating more useful programs.

The 4th Sub-Committee on Science & Technology is scheduled for 2013.

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() The 3rd Sub-Committee on Science & Technology (Suwon City, Gyeonggi-do Province, R.O.K.)

(CEWIT KOREA) Dr. LIM Deok Soon (Director of CEWIT KOREA) presents on Major issues in operating

innovation clusters


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Northeast Asian Environmental Issues Discussed in Toyama

On 8-10 November 2011, the 10th Sub-Committee on Environment, which was founded to preserve the environment in Northeast Asia, took place in Toyama Prefecture, providing information on the status and outcome of the Sub-Committee projects.

Attendees of the plenary session on 9 November include Secretary General KIM Jae-Hyo, Director Nitta Akira of the International Cooperation Office of the Japanese Ministry of Environment, Director Norihiko Tanaka of CEARAC (Coastal Environmental Assessment Regional Activity Centre) and representatives from 7 member regions (+ 1 observer).

On the next day, representatives from 9 member regions (+ 4 observers) took part in the Meeting of the Joint-research on Washed-up Driftage, which resulted in two recommendations: 1. Call for non-profit organizations to take part in joint-research projects of the Sub-Committee to be carried out in China, Japan, Korea and Russia, aiming to strengthen partnership with industry and academia; 2. Create art works using coastal garbage in the four countries to generate momentum to curb ocean garbage.

Also, it was unanimously decided that Toyama Prefecture would become the next coordinator region.

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Secretary General Kim Visited Toyama and Fukuoka

From 8th to 10th of November, the Secretariat delegation led by Secretary General Kim visited Toyama Prefecture (Japan), the organizer and coordinator of the 10th Sub-Committee on Environment to support the meeting. On the sidelines, Mr. Kim met with Director Nitta Akira of the International Cooperation Office of the Japanese Ministry of Environment and Director-General Nobuo Igarashi of the Civic Affairs, Environment & Culture Department of Toyama Prefecture to exchange views on environmental policies in Japan and the future path of NEAR.

Meanwhile, in his visit to Fukuoka, he met with Director-General Saruwatari Minoru of the International Relations Bureau of Fukuoka Prefectural Government to introduce NEAR and seek cooperation, while exchanging information on the Korea-Japan Strait Governors Meeting, which the Prefecture had been actively engaged in.

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() Secretary General Kim talks with Nitta Akira, Director of the International Cooperation Office of the Japanese Ministry of Environment

10 The plenary session of the 10th Sub-Committee on Environment



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NEAR Secretariat Discusses Cooperation with YUST

On 30 November, LEE Seung-Ryul, the Chairman of the Northeast Asian Community Studies Institute and Vice President of the Yanbian University of Science & Technology visited the Secretariat to meet with Secretary General Kim and discuss ways to enhance friendship and cooperation between the two organizations and contribute to the development of Northeast Asia through partnership in such areas as international education, culture, sciences and industry-academia collaboration. In particular, it was suggested that both parties could come up with joint projects for student exchange, nurturing industrial human resources, social welfare, agricultural support and academic studies on the vision of Northeast Asian cooperation.

The Yanbian University of Science & Technology (YUST) was founded in September 1992 in Yanji City, Jilin Province (China) for the purpose of training leaders in China and Northeast Asia for the Pacific Era and producing talented Korean-Chinese through advanced science and technology education, thereby contributing to Korea-China cooperation, the Korean Community in China and to the future of a unified Korea. It is Chinas first Chinese-foreign joint university and the first university for Korean nationals living abroad. Based on the dedicated support by numerous sponsors in 15 countries including Korea, the U.S. and European countries, YUST established itself as a leading educational institution for advanced science & technology in China and a cultural, educational bridge between China and Korea, designated as one of the National Key Universities by the Chinese Government.

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Secretary General Kim Attended the 11th Yellow Sea Rim Economic and Technology Conference

On 15-18 November, Secretary General Kim participated in the 11th Yellow Sea Rim Economic and Technology Conference, which was held in Daejeon Convention Center (Daejeon Metropolitan City, R.O.K.) and coordinated by the Northeast Asian Community Studies Institute. The conference was founded in 2001 in Fukuoka, Japan, as China, Japan and Korea agreed to promote close cooperation in trade, investment and technology at the ASEAN+3 Summit in 1999. Co-organized by Korean Ministry of Knowledge and Economy, Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, Chinese Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology, it has been held every year since 2001 in rotation between the three countries.

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200941130Tel+82-54-223-2317Fax+82-54-223-2309

Announcement of Resignation

PARK Man-Bong, who had worked for the Secretariat in the international cooperation division since April 2009 resigned on 30 Nov. The new staff in charge of Japanese affairs is CHOI Soo Gyu (T. +82-54-223-2317 F. +82-54-223-2309)

PARK Man-Bong, former Specialist on Japanese Affairs

CHOI Soo Gyu, new specialist on Japanese Affairs


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Hubei Province - China Governor of Hubei Province Wang Guosheng Headed a Delegation to Visit Korea and Japan

At the invitation of the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Japanese Trade Promotion Organization, a delegation of Hubei Provincial Government led by Governor Wang Guosheng paid a friendly visit to Korea and Japan from 22 to 30 Oct.

Wang Guosheng visited governmental organizations, including the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and held meetings with directors of important economic organizations or groups such as the Japanese Trade Promotion Organization and the Japan-China Economic Association as well as supervisors of Korean and Japanese enterprises intending to invest in Hubei Province. He also visited transnational corporations, including SK, Samsung, LS, Lotte, Hitachi, Mitsui Bussan and NEC and financial institutions e.g. the Industrial Bank of Korea and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi. Besides, he attended investment and trade conferences organized by Hubei Province in Tokyo and Seoul, the tourism promotion seminar Hubei, Home to Wonders, breakfast and dinner parties with the economic circles of Korea and Japan and signing ceremonies of some relevant cooperation projects.

MOU The MOU signing ceremony for the public offering of Hubei companies in Korea

Hunan Province - China2011 Central China (Hunan) International Agriculture Fair Held in Hunan Province in November

2011 Central China (Hunan) International Agriculture Fair was ceremoniously held in Changsha, Hunan Province on 16-22 November, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Peoples Republic of China and the Peoples Government of Hunan Province, co-organized by agricultural departments of five provinces of central China, including Shanxi Province and some relevant provincial sectors e.g. the Agriculture Development Comprehensive Office of Hunan Province, and undertaken by Hunan Department of Agriculture and the Peoples Government of Changsha City.

Under the catchphrase Grand Area, Grand Communication and Grand Cooperation, this fair aimed to highlight the characteristics of Central China and help the area to gain stronger foothold and finally radiate all over China by accomplishing four promotions: The promotion of quality, scale of exhibition booths, publicity and the brand effect.

During the fair, the Agricultural Production and Marketing Cooperation Fair of Hunan and Guangdong Provinces was held according to the cooperation framework agreement of the two provinces. Furthermore, other important activities were organized as well to vividly demonstrate the brand effects of the agricultural fair, such as: themed business meetings of exhibitors and buyers, a series of publicity and promotional events of exhibitors (exhibitions) and prize awards for best product and best news media.

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2011() The logo of the 2011 Central China

(Hunan) International Agriculture Fair

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Press conference of the 2011 Central China (Hunan) International Agriculture Fair (photo

from http://fair.hxag.com/)


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Shandong Province - China Rizhao Channel of Sino-Korean Continental Marine Project Opened

On 13 Oct., Rizhao Channel of Sino-Korean Continental Marine Project for truck transportation was formally opened in Rizhao City, Shandong Province. This is the third Marine Express Channel of Shandong Province after the successful implementation of Weihai - and Qingdao Channel.

In the future, Sino-Korean loading freight trucks could directly take the roll-off ship to enter within the boundaries of opposite parties through Rizhao Port, Shandong and Pyeongtaek Port, Korea after examination by relevant regulatory authorities. In addition, the round-trip cargos from China to Korea neednt be loaded and unloaded for many times on the way, but would be directly transported to the destination by opposite partys tractors, which will realize direct transportation from factories to customers. This not only reduces the average customs clearance time, but also saves logistics costs and guarantees the security of the transportation cargos.

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Kyoto Prefecture - Japan General Assembly of ASEAN Tourism Association Held in Kyoto

On 26 October 2011, the General Assembly of the ASEAN Tourism Association was held at the Amiti Tango Center of Kyotango city, Kyoto Prefecture. The General Assembly, which is held for the first time in Japan, was organized by the Kyotango municipal government expecting the recovery of tourism from the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake. 107 participants, 25 of which from six overseas countries gathered to discuss joint projects with the Japanese tourism sector and the perparation for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2012 in Indonesia and adopted the Joint Communique on Tourism Cooperation between ASEAN Tourism Association and Kyotango City Tourism Association. The attendees also participated in business matching with local companies in Kyotango, while visiting major businesses, educational institutions and the Sanin Coast (designated as a Geopark since 2010).

Contact : The Tourism Association of Kyotango City T. +81-(0)772-62-6300

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The opening ceremony of the Rizhao Channel

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ASEAN Chairman of the ASEAN Tourism Association welcomes participants of the General Assembly

Visit to the Sanin Coast Geopark


Shimane Prefecture - JapanJapan Myth EXPO in Shimane 2012

Since one thirds of the myths in the Kojiki, the oldest chronicle of Japan, took place in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, it is assumed that powerful ancient kingdoms and cultures thrived in this region.

As part of the Shimane - the Land of Gods project to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of Kojiki, Shimane will organize the Japan Myth EXPO in Shimane 2012 from 21th Jul. to 11 Nov. in 2012. Close to the main venue Izumo Taisha Temple and the Izumo Historical Museum, a special exhibition site will be open to feature Concept Projection Room (TBC), Shimane Attractions Stage, Local Specialty and Gourmet Corner, and etc.

Also, all the exhibition halls will be constructed like a gateway to the ancient world while many other places within the prefecture will be decorated to create similar atmosphere in cooperation with relevant municipalities and private organizations so that visitors may experience various attractions of Shimane.

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Gyeongsangbuk-do Province - KoreaThe 19th UNWTO General Assembly Ends Successfully in Gyeongju

The General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a specialized agency of the United Nations and the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of tourism, was held on 8-14 October in Gyeongju, a thousand-year-old ancient capital of the Silla dynasty. Korea co-organized the 14th General Assembly with Japan (Osaka) in back in 2001, but this one is meaningful, because it was held in a local city but not in Seoul. Gyeongju, a city in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, has hosted many international conferences including the G20 Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors and the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific.

Attendees of the gathering included UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General Jeffrey Sachs, and officers of international organizations such as World Trade Organization and International Labor

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Bird view of the special exhibition site of the Japan Myth EXPO in Shimane 2012

19 Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor KIM Kwan-Yong addresses the 19th UNWTO General Assembly.

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| NEAR This MonthThe Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province - KoreaJeju Successfully Held the 2011 Jeju Youth Forum; Jeju Selected One of the Seven Wonders of Nature

The 2011 Jeju Youth Forum was hosted by the Jeju Provincial Government and Office of Education on 27-30 October. Under the theme of Empower the Youth, the Leaders of the Future, more than 100 students from 15 sister cities in China, Japan, Korea, Russia and Vietnam converged on Jeju to discuss issues facing the world today. The Sub-topics of discussion ranged from What are the positive and negative implications of Social Network Services on the future? to What are the pros and cons of building nuclear plants?

The forum was founded with an aim to train the next generation of leaders by providing them with a platform to discuss global issues from their own perspectives and expand the horizon of experience and education.

In the meantime, on 12 November, Jeju, a triple crown winner in UNESCO's nature and science field with designations of Biosphere Reserve, was selected as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. People who are living in the most beautiful island in the world are even more beautiful, said Governor Woo Geun-Min and expressed his strong commitment to preserving the environment of the Korean island.

Also, the Jeju Provincial Government extended its gratitude to the NEAR member regions for providing warm support and assistance.

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2 The Attendees of the 2011 Jeju Youth Forum

Organization. Their discussions mainly focused on environmental tourism and roles of the tourism industry in helping the world achieve the eight international development goals, known as the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), through sports, culture, and tourism.

Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongju organized various programs to bring many more eyes to the cultural assets, arts and tourist resources of Gyeongsangbuk-do, including the Gyeongbuk Tourism Promotion Exhibition, 10 Tour Programs and etc. It is expected that this General Assembly will transform Gyeongju into one of the most competitive and sustainable tourist attractions in the world, said Governor KIM Kwan-Yong.

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The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) - RussiaPresident Dmitry Medvedev Opened the Official Start-up Ceremony of the Trunk-railway Berkakit - Tommot - Yakutsk

On November 15, the official start-up ceremony of the trunk-railway Berkakit - Tommot - Yakutsk was held at the Nizniy Bestyakh Station. The President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev extended thanks to all participants and constructors, emphasizing that this is the northernmost railway, becoming a part of the huge Russian railway transportation system. It is of great significance not only for the development of Yakutia, but of the whole Russia. Moreover, he made a point that the government has a large-scale plan to develop the railway network in northern Russia, which must be realized within ten years.

After the ceremony, Medvedev joined the President of Yakutia Egor Borisov and the Minister of Transport of Russia Igor Levitin to visit Urasu, an exhibition related to the railway construction Berkakit - Tommot - Yakutsk. Later this day Minister Igor Levitin held an extended meeting on the development of the transportation system of Sakha. He stated that the final decision on the construction of a railway crossing the river Lena would be made by the end of this year and the ground be broken in 2012.

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Russian President Medvedev with the railway construction workers

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5 Khoomei singers who participated in the 5th International Khoomei Competition

Ulaanbaatar - MongoliaUlaanbaatar Wins the International Competition of Khoomei: The Breath of the Earth

On 17-21 November, the 5th International Competition of Khoomei (Throat-singing, a guttural style of singing or chanting) was held in the Republic of Buryatia where 14 Mongolian Khoomei singers won top prizes. Among more than 100 singers gathered from countries surrounding the Altai Mountains, Mr. Naranbadrakh from Mongolia was awarded the Grand Prix. In the solo competition, Mr. Tulga, a senior student at the University of Mongolian Arts won the runner-up prize by combining throat singing with beatboxing. In group competition, the group Tenger won a participation prize.

Similar forms of throat-singing are found in 11 countries in the world, but as it was certified that Khoomei originated from Mongolia, Khoomei was listed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists as the Mongolian Art of Singing.

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2012 NEAR | Events Schedule of NEAR and Member Regions

The Association of North East Asia Regional

Governments

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10 2012 3 T. +81-78-362-9870F. +81-78-362-9914

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The 10th Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention March 2012 Hyogo Prefecture

Disaster Management & Planning Bureau, Hyogo Prefectural Gov.T. +81-78-362-9870F. +81-78-362-9914

The 1st Sub-Committee on Energy & Climate Change March 2012

Daegu Metropolitan City (Korea)

Environment and Greenery Bureau, Daegu Metropolitan City Gov.T. +82-53-803-3575F. +82-53-803-3059

Hyogo Prefecture

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2012 World Alliance Forumin Awaji March 2012

Awaji Yumebutai (Dream Stage) International

Conference Center, Hyogo Pref.

Division of New Industry and Information, Hyogo Prefectural Gov.T. +81-78-362-9189F. +81-78-362-4466

- Contribution by Liu Weiwei, Seconded Staff from China for 2011

Ms. Weiwei at work

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Nestling in the Warm Embrace of NEAR Secretariat and Northeast Asia

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Dear NEAR members,I am Liu Weiwei from Ningxia Autonomous Region, China.

Half a year has passed since I was seconded to the NEAR Secretariat in Korea. Every experience here - work, education and life - has been fresh and meaningful to me. Taking this opportunity, I would like to say hello to you and share a story of my happy days in Korea.

1. NEAR At the entrance of the NEAR Secretariat2. With the Secretariat staff at the Working-level

Workshop 20113. With Specialist LEE, Hye-Jung at the

Gyeongsangbuk-do Arboretum2

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WorkBefore the assignment, I had a little knowledge about how NEAR

operates, but didnt have enough hands-on experience. It was my friend and work partner, Specialist LEE Hye-Jeong in charge of Chinese members, who helped me quickly learn how to do my job. Now, she and I are successfully doing our work in great harmony. I have been involved in holding large events including workshops, the 8th Working Committee, and the 2011 NEAR International Forum. This experience taught me how to prepare an international conference, which is a solid foundation for my job down the road. Plus, I could improve foreign language and writing skills by translating and editing various publications like NEAR News and searching information about Chinese member regions. Especially, Id like to thank Director General HWANG Yeong-Seok and Director JUNG Joong-Tae of the International Cooperation Division for their leadership. Their thorough, diligent working style really impressed me. I hope I can further focus on work with passion, following their examples.

LearningDuring early days in Korea, I had difficulty in communication. For those

employees like me, the secretariat opened a Korean class. Practice for Korean listening, speaking, reading, writing really improved my Korean and helped me understand Korean history, culture, customs and people. I could also learn about Korean culture and manners from dialogues with Secretary General KIM Jae-Hyo. Another person, Director KOO Hae-Ill was always willing to find time to teach me Korean. He sometimes told jokes in Japanese, which helped me learn the language as well. Thank you, Secretary General Kim and Director Koo.

LifeThanks to the secretariats kind care, we, seconded staff, have been able to

feel at home in Korea and focus on our job with no worries. My bosses and colleagues have been friendly enough to take their time to give me tours of various tourist attractions and historic sites. We truly had great fun and made unforgettable memories there. I want to express my thanks to my

Korean language class

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Appointed as members of the Secretariat in May 2011

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co-workers, especially to LEE Hye-Jung for her tender care and help. I feel she is like an old friend because she can also speak Chinese. I am very pleased to have a Korean friend as cute as she is.

Before I came, one year stay in Korea seemed long enough to understand all the new things I would experience. But, time flies, and I now feel one year is just like a day. So, I will try to learn and work with more passion to get the most out of the remaining time. I will do my best to do my job as a seconded officer, a bridge between NEAR and Chinese local government members, so I can contribute to closer cooperation between North East Asian regions. I am very pleased to work at the secretariat as a Chinese seconded officer. Its my great honor. I am deeply grateful to the Peoples Government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, especially Director Li Jie of the Ningxia Foreign Affairs Office for giving me this opportunity of this overseas training. My thanks also go to the NEAR secretariat, my friends, and co-workers. Located on the Silk Road, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is well-known for rich resources and called food warehouse in the west. It is one of the five major Chinese autonomous regions. It bears the legacy of Yellow River Civilization and is enjoying rapid economic growth recently. We welcome your visit to Ningxia and look forward to your investment. We will always be a warm-hearted host!

Lastly, I wish happiness and good luck for you and your loved ones. Thanks.

Khentii Province of Mongolia

/ 1,675m1189The Khar Zurkhnii Khokh Nuur Lake is located 1675m northwest from Tsenher Mandal Soum. Temuujin was declared Genghis Khan, leader of the Mongols at this place.

/ 1,675m1189The Khar Zurkhnii Khokh Nuur Lake is located 1675m northwest from Tsenher Mandal Soum. Temuujin was declared Genghis Khan, leader of the Mongols at this place.

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OverviewKhentii Aimag (Province) is where Ghengis Khan was born, the Person of

the Century who founded the Great Mongol Empire. It was established in the 17th century and called Tsetsen Khan Aimag for nearly 200 years, but according to the decision by the peoples government in 1923, the name was changed into Khan Khentii Uul Aimag. Following the foundation of Dornod Aimag (1930) and Sukhbaatar Aimag (1942) and an administrative reform, it was given its present name, territory and administrative system.

On behalf of the residents of Khentii Province, the birthplace of Genghis Khan, I would like to extend my greetings to all NEAR member regions. Located in the basin of the two historical rivers, Kherlen and Onon, Khentii is committed to the goal of promoting relics from Ghengis Khans era and local tourist development projects to foreign visitors. By raising the profile of the unique, traditional arts and culture of Khentii, it aims to become one of the tourist model areas in Mongolia. I am glad to take this opportunity to help readers better understand the history and tradition of Khentii and lay the foundation for closer relationship and cooperation with NEAR members.

Welcome to Khentii Province, the birthplace of the greatest leader, Ghengis Khan.

Governor Erdenebaatar of Khentii Province, Mongolia

Khentii Provincial Government

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NEAR | NEAR Member TourThe Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

Nature and GeographyKhentii covers an area of 80,300 and the population density is one person

per 1.2. As the center of the eastern part of Mongolia, Khentii borders the Russian Federation to the north, Dornod Province to the east, Tuv Province to the west and Dorno-govi Province to the south. The capital is Undurkhaan city, which is located in the riverside of the Kherlen river, 331km away from Ulaanbaatar.

The province is situated on the vast and beautiful steppes at an altitude of 1,027m. The Khentii Mountains lie to the north, whose summit is the highest point or 2,362m above the sea level, while the lowest point is the Kherlen river at 2,362m. 85 percent of its territory is used for stock-farming, while 11.5 percent is forests and 0.4 percent urban areas. It has continental climate with high atmospheric pressure and little rain in winter. The highest and the lowest temperature are - 46 and +39 degrees Celsius, respectively and annual precipitation ranges from 200~300 mm.

80,3001.2

331km

1,027m2,362m850m8511.50.44639200300mm

/ 12,271m1992Burkhan Khaldun: The mountain covers an area of 12271m and has been designated as the Strictly Protected Area since 1992. It is considered the most sacred mountain in Mongolia. According to the Secret history of Mongols, Temuujin survived thanks to this mountain when he escaped from Gurvan Merged for several times in his childhood. When he arrived from the mountain he ordered to worship it for all generations.

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71.8%035

86.58.8

Society and Economy71.8 percent of its population are aged between 0 and 35, mostly children and

young people. Statistically, the number of men and women is close to equal, but recently that of women is increasing. The major economic sector is stock-farming industry and in agricultural sector, grains, potatoes, vegetables are cultivated. The population consists of Khalkh (86.5 percent), Buryat (8.8 percent) and other small ethnic groups.

History and TourismThe Galshar, one of the best breeds of horse is kept in Khentii Aimag. As the

birthplace of the Great Emperor Ghengis Khan and the Book Secret history of Mongols, Khentii is the best place for tourism. Tourists can also enjoy outdoor spa at Onon hot spring, Avarga Toson cold spring, and Gurvan Nuurdiin hot spring.

1. Khentii residents in the traditional costume of the Buryat ethnic group 2. Traditional Dance of Buddhists Tsam Dance

3. Rainbow, Batshireet Soum, Khentii Province4. The Palace of Mongolian Queens, Bayanadarga Soum, Khentii Province

1 2

3 4

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Address 790834 601 3F, Pohang TP, 601 Jigok-dong, Nam-gu, Pohang City, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea, 790-834Telephone +82-54-223-2311~20Facsimile +82-54-223-2309E-mail [email protected] www.neargov.org

Documents

NEAR news vol.42 (JPN)