NEAR news vol.46 (ENG)

NEARNEAR Leading the Era of Northeast Asia2012. 7-8

Vol. 46

News

The Association of North East Asia Regional

Governments

Feature Report The 9th NEAR General Assembly 2012: A Friendship Bridge for Northeast Asia

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities / Secretariat News / NEAR Member News

NEAR Member TourTottori Prefecture - Japan

The 9th NEAR General Assembly (Photograph by Hou Zhigang)

“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).

NEAR News

Vol. 46

Sha-hu, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Photograph by Hou Zhigang)

8 14 188 14 18

NEAR is...an international organization founded in Sept. 1996

in Gyeongju, South Korea by 29 regional

governments in four Northeast Asian countries,

including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia.

Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on

mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive

exchange and cooperation projects in various

fields ranging from economy and trade, education

& cultural exchanges, environment, disaster

prevention, cross-border cooperation, science &

technology, tourism, ocean & fisheries, Mineral

Resources Development and Coordination,

Energy and Climate Change, Women and

Children, Bio-medical Industry to Agriculture.

Today, with the participation of North Korea and

Mongolia and the accession of new member

governments, NEAR encompasses 71 member

regions in six countries as an organization

representing Northeast Asia dedicated to regional

diplomacy & cooperation.

NEAR is open to all. Any local government located in the Northeast

Asian region sharing the founding purpose of

NEAR can join us through the NEAR General

Assembly.

The Association of North East Asia Regional

Governments

NEAR NEWS Vol. 46

The 9th NEAR General Assembly 2012: A Friendship Bridge for Northeast Asia

4

The 9th NEAR General Assembly was held in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui

Autonomous Region, China between July 24-27 under the theme of “Forge Closer

Cooperation, Create Joint Prosperity.” This year, over 162 people from 6 Chinese

member regions, 6 Japanese member regions, 11 Korean member regions, 7

Mongolian member regions, 2 Russian member regions, diplomatic delegations

from South Korea and North Korea, non-member regions, and observers attended

the General Assembly. Some diplomatic delegations attended the NEAR General

Assembly for the first time, and Representatives from DPRK participated for the

first time in 8 years since the 5th NEAR General Assembly, which was held in

Heilongjiang Province, China, in September 2004, thus making the 9th General

Assembly particularly meaningful.

The 9th NEAR General Assembly 2012

Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo delivering congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony of the 9th NEAR General Assembly

Feature Report

A Friendship Bridge for Northeast Asia


The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments 5

In the afternoon, 5 agendas based on those discussed at the 8th Working Committee Meeting in

2011 were proposed at the 9th General Assembly. Following are the decisions.

1. We approved the application of the Jeollanam-do Province, Republic of Korea to host the

General Assembly in 2014

2. We approved the application of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Republic of Korea for

Extension of Term of Office and Long-term Placement of NEAR Secretariat.

3. We approved the application of Sejong Special Self-Governing City, Republic of Korea to be a

new member of NEAR.

4. We approved the introduction of Professional Internship Program of NEAR (PioNEAR).

5. We voted against the introduction of the Membership Fee System proposed by the Secretariat.

The deliberation of the agenda of the General Assembly was followed by the Chair region,

Ningxia Hui Autonomous region, signing the friendship exchange city agreement. The closing

ceremony included the announcement of the “Ningxia Declaration” by Li Rui, deputy governor

of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and the ceremonial exchange of the NEAR flag between

Ningxia, China and Jeollanam-do Province, Republic of Korea. Bae Yong-tae, deputy governor

of Jeollanam-do Province, received the NEAR flag and expressed his gratitude for the support of

member regional governments again. He pledged to fully prepare for the 9th NEAR Working

Committee Meeting and the 1st Sub-Committee on Agriculture to be held in October 2013.

The Long-term Placement of NEAR Secretariat in Gyeongsangbuk-do

Province Approved

The plenary session on the morning of July 25 opened with the welcoming address from the 9th

Chair of NEAR, Wang Zhengwei, Governor, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. This was

followed by the Activity Report of NEAR and presentations by representatives from member

regions.

Governor Wang Zhengwei presented the development direction for NEAR in a presentation

titled “Prosperous Tomorrow Built by Enhanced Regional Cooperation.” Then 7 representatives

from member regions presented the outstanding policies of their regions. Participants could

recognize once again that the spirit of harmony and co-prosperity has an important impact on

regional cooperation and development.

The plenary session

1. The Ceremonial exchange of the NEAR flag2. The 9th Chair of NEAR, Wang Zhengwei, Governor, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,

China delivers the welcoming address3. Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province, Kim Kwan-yong claps after the

confirmation of the Long-term Placement of NEAR Secretariat4. Bae Yong-tae, deputy governor of Jeollanam-do Province, delivering an address of thanks

1

2

3

4

Respective delegates from member regions who are attending the General Assembly

NEAR NEWS Vol. 466

Meeting delegations from respective countries

The Chairman of the CPPCC Ningxia Committee, Xiang Zongxi, met with and expressed

welcome and gratitude to the representatives of NEAR Secretariat, Russia, Mongolia, Korea, and

Japan from 4 p.m. on July 24 in the meeting room at the Yuehai Hotel. At the same time, the

delegates from North Korea had a meeting with Li Rui, deputy governor of Ningxia Hui

Autonomous Region. Representatives from Ningxia and respective countries pledged mutual

cooperation to enhance active exchange in more diversified fields.

Welcoming Banquet

After the interview, the grand welcoming banquet was held in the lobby of the Yuehai Hotel

with the congratulatory address by Xiang Zongxi, Chairman of CPPCC Ningxia Committee.

Participants had a chance to promote friendship at the banquet. They wrapped up Day 1 by

enjoying the abundant food and performances prepared by the Ningxia organizers and

sympathizing with the need for solidarity among the 70 NEAR members, which Secretary

General Kim Jae-hyo stressed in his Congratulatory Address.

DAY 1

1, 2. Meeting between Xiang Zongxi, Chairman of the CPPCC Ningxia Committee,

and the representatives of the NEAR secretariat

3, 4. The Welcoming Banquet held in the lobby of the Yuehai Hotel

The 9th NEAR General Assembly 2012: A Friendship Bridge for Northeast AsiaFeature Report

1

3

4

2

The 9th NEAR General Assembly

Inside the 9th General Assembly


The relationship built by NEAR

In the afternoon of July 25, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region successfully held the General

Assembly and signed friendship exchange agreements with major cities in Northeast Asia. Last

April, the delegation of Ningxia visited Bayankhongor Province, Mongolia to publicize the

General Assembly and created a letter of intent for the friendship exchange agreement with

Bayankhongor Province. On the occasion of the 9th NEAR General Assembly, they made the

agreement official. Ningxia also signed a friendship exchange agreement with Zabaikalsky

Territory. It is planning to exchange actively with each region in Northeast Asia.

The Cultural and Artistic Performance:

“The Promise in Ningxia”

After successfully completing the General Assembly,

participants got together at the People’s Auditorium of

Ningxia that night to watch the performance “The Promise

in Ningxia,” organized by Li Rui, deputy governor of

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The performance

consisted of various programs such as songs, acrobatics, a

Peking opera, vocal music, and so on. In particular, the

martial arts demonstration from the children of the martial

arts school received a big round of applause.

1. The scene of signing the friendship exchange agreements between Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Bayankhongor Province

2. The Cultural and Artistic Performance: “The Promise in Ningxia”


1

2

DAY 2


NEAR NEWS Vol. 468

The Northeast Asia Horticulture Industry Seminar

The Northeast Asia Horticulture Industry Seminar was held along with the 9th NEAR

General Assembly under the theme of “Green, Creation, Cooperation and Co-

existence,” organized by the department of agriculture and animal husbandry in

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Experts in horticulture from respective countries

delivered presentations at the seminar. “This seminar was a venue to broaden my

understanding of the horticulture facilities in Northeast Asia,” Zhao Yongbiao, head of

the department of agriculture and animal husbandry in Ningxia Hui Autonomous

Region, said. Participants in the seminar enhanced their understanding of the local

industry in Ningxia through activities such as an industrial visit to the horticultural

industry facilities in Ningxia and a viewing of its horticultural products.

Tree Planting Ceremony for the “Friendship Forests”

The Tree Planting Ceremony for the “Friendship Forests,” organized by the People’s

Government of Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, was held in the

Forests Park in Yinchuan City in the morning of July 26. The ceremony was prepared

as a way of building up the friendship between NEAR member regions and practicing

regional cooperation on climate change. Participants took great pleasure in attending

the tree planting ceremony under the scorching sun, pledging to see the day when the

“Friendship Forests” become dense.

1. The Northeast Asia Horticulture Industry Seminar2. The viewing of horticultural products in Ningxia

3. Kim Jae-hyo, NEAR Secretary General, and Li Rui, deputy governor of Ningxia Hui Autonomous

Region, attending the Tree Planting Ceremony for the “Friendship Forests”4. Participants taking great pleasure in planting the trees under the scorching sun

5. The Group Photo of the 9th NEAR General Assembly

The 9th NEAR General Assembly 2012: A Friendship Bridge for Northeast AsiaFeature Report

1

2

3

4 5

DAY 3





6 7

6. Bird’s-eye view of the beautiful Sha-hu7. Camels of Sha-hu

Field Trip to Sha-hu

Participants had time to experience the beauty of Ningxia

by enjoying riding on camels and sand sleighs in Sha-hu,

the famous tourist attraction of Ningxia, which includes

both a lake and a desert.

Participants also gained beautiful memories of Ningxia

during the field trip to Ningxia museum, the banquet for the

representatives from member regions prepared by Zhang

Yi, Secretary General of Ningxia Party Committee, and the

Farewell dinner prepared by Li Rui, deputy governor of

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities

10

NEAR Activities

The 1st Sub-Committee on Energy & Climate Change will be held on 9-10 October in Daegu Metropolitan

City, Korea, under the theme of “Energy and climate change cooperation among NEAR members.” Daegu

Metropolitan City, one of Korea’s top three cities with a population of 2.5 million, has given great efforts to

realize a green Solar City for the first time in Korea by promoting renewable energy industries and greening

urban landscape and environment. It will also organize the World Energy Conference known as the

“Olympics of Energy” in 2013.

The 9th NEAR General Assembly was held

between July 24-27 under the theme of “Forge

Closer Cooperation, Create Joint Prosperity” in

Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,

China. Over 280 people from 47 organizations in 6

countries including China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia,

Russia, and DPRK participated. (Continued on

page 4-9)


The 2nd Sub-Committee on Mineral

Resources Development &

Coordination held between August

1-3 in Magadan

Sub-Committee on Educational &

Cultural Exchange 2012

The 2nd Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources

Development & Coordination was held between

August 1-3 in the Magadan Region, Russian

Federation. Various topics were discussed,

including laws and regulations for mineral

resources exploration and investment, locations

and potential of mineral reserves, establishment of

partnerships among representatives of mining

companies, and many others. Magadan cordially

invited officials from departments related to

strategic economic development and mining

industries in NEAR member regional governments

and executives of mining and investment

companies.

Shimane Prefecture, the Coordinator of the Sub-

Committee on Educational & Cultural Exchange,

held “Northeast Asia Wings of Exchange in

Shimane 2012” between August 3-8 to enhance

mutual understanding and cultural exchange

between young people from Northeast Asian

countries. Thirty people from 7 member regions in

4 countries participated (2 Chinese, 1 Japanese, 2

Korean and 2 Russian member regions).

Participants had a meaningful time, enhancing

mutual understanding and deepening cultural

exchange with the locals through various programs

such as homestay, experiencing traditional culture,

and discussions about environmental issues.

The Inaugural Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Energy & Climate

Change Scheduled for 9-12 October in Daegu

Date: 9-11 October (Tues.-Thurs.)Venue: EXCO, DaeguSchedule

Contact

E-mail

Fax

Kim, Hoe-ran

82-53-803-3265

[email protected]

82-53-803-3259

English

Yoon, So-yeong

82-53-803-3261

[email protected]

82-53-803-3259

Japanese

Jeon, In-woo

82-53-803-3262

[email protected]

82-53-803-3259

Chinese

Contact

E-mail

Fax

Kim, Sung-hyun

82-54-223-2318

neargov

@gmail.com

82-54-223-2307~09

Korean, English

Lee, Hye-jung

82-54-223-2320

cham0284

@gmail.com

82-54-223-2307~09

Chinese

Choi, Soo-gyoo

82-54-223-2317

s.g-c

@hotmail.com

82-54-223-2307~09

Japanese

Khishigjargal

82-54-223-2384

hi_hishgee

@yahoo.com

82-54-223-2307~09

Mongolian

Choi, Kyoung-nam

82-54-223-2319

rudska76

@hanmail.net

82-54-223-2307~09

Russian

Northeast Asia Wings of Exchange in Shimane 2012

NEAR NEWS Vol. 46

Day 1 (9 Oct.)

Day 2 (10. Oct.)

Day 3 (11. Oct.)

Day 4 (12 Oct.)

Arrival, Check-in, Welcome Reception

Sub-Committee Meeting(offer simultaneous interpretation in members’ languages)

Industrial & Cultural Tour

Departure

* Detailed schedule to be announced.

Date Schedule

ApplicationHow: Contact the International Commerce Department, Daegu Metropolitan City or NEARSecretariatWhen: by August 30, 2012Presentation material deadline: September 7, 2012 (for any member regionalgovernment hoping to deliver a presentation at the Sub-committee)

* Theme Energy & climate change-related policies or cases promoted by memberregional governments.Proposal on furthering exchange and cooperation between members of andthe development of the sub-committee on Energy and Climate Change.

ContactThe International Commerce Department, Daegu Metropolitan City

NEAR Secretariat

Secretariat News

A NEAR delegation, including Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo, attended the

International China Harbin Fair for Trade and Economic Cooperation, held in

Harbin city in Heilongjiang Province between June 14-17. On the first day,

Secretary General Kim visited Daqing City, a large-scale oil producing area,

located near Harbin City, and held discussions with Deputy Mayor Kang

Zhiwen about cooperation on NEAR activities in the future. On June 16, he

met with Vice Governor of Heilongjiang Province, Zhang Jianxing, to discuss

the development of

NEAR.

The 23rd International China Harbin Fair for Trade and

Economic Cooperation

NEAR This Month Secretariat News / NEAR Member News


Yoo Aram,former specialist onKorean Affairs andEnglish

Kim Sung-hyun,new specialist onKorean affairs andEnglish

Kim Sang-hyun, former specialist onRussian Affairs

Choi Kyoung-nam, new specialist onRussian affairs

On July 26, the 11th Chinese Bridge, the Chinese Proficiency Competition

for Foreign College Students, concluded in Changsha. Since its debut

competition, which was held in 2002, nearly 1000 college students from 70

countries have been invited to attend the competition in China, and more than

120,000 college students from across the world have participated in

preliminary competitions in various countries. The competition has become an

important platform for college students from around the world to learn

Chinese and understand China, and has helped the world’s youth connect with

each other. The final competition has been held in Hunan since 2008; every

year, Hunan welcomes competitors from around the world to showcase their

excellent

performances. Son Ji-

oh, from the Republic

of Korea won the

special prize this year.

The 11th Chinese Bridge Competition Concluded

with Full Success

Henan Province - China

On July 6, the press

conference of the 2012

China (Ningxia)

International

Investment and Trade

Fair & the 3rd China-

Arab States Economic

and Trade Forum (the

Forum) was held at the

Conference Hall on the third floor of the Beijing International Hotel. The

Forum will be held between September 13-17 in Ningxia. With the theme of

“Friendship, Cooperation, Development,” the Forum will include summit

meetings, theme forums, a commodities exhibition, and economic

cooperation, as well as cultural and sports exchange programs, aiming at

further promoting economic and trade communication, investment

cooperation, and friendship between China and the Arab states. So far, all

preparation work has been progressing smoothly.

2012 China (Ningxia) International Investment and

Trade Fair & the 3rd China-Arab States Economic and

Trade Forum

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region -China

Yoo Aram, who has worked for the Secretariat in the planning & general

affairs division since August 2007, resigned on June 29. The new staff

member in charge of Korean affairs and English is Kim Sung-hyun

(T. +82-54-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309).

Kim Sang-hyun, who has worked for the Secretariat in the international

cooperation division since February 2009, resigned on August 10. The new

staff member in charge of Russian affairs is Choi Kyoung-nam

(T. +82-54-223-2319 F. +82-54-223-2309).

Announcement of Resignation and Appointment

NEAR Member News

Foreign college studentsattending the 11th ChineseBridge, Chinese ProficiencyCompetition

The press conference of the 2012 China (Ningxia)International Investment and Trade Fair & the 3rd China-Arab

States Economic and Trade Forum

Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo (Left) and Vice Governorof Heilongjiang ProvinceZhang Jianxing (Right)

NEAR NEWS Vol. 46

NEAR Member News

12

NEAR This Month

Amano-hashidate sand bar1)

1) Sand bar:

A ridge of sand formed in a river

or along a shore by the action of

waves or currents.

Kyoto prefecture is currently seeking to register Japanese food, Amano-

hashidate and Uji tea on the World Heritage lists to propagate tangible and

intangible assets which have cultural values. This year will mark the 40th

anniversary of the establishment of the World Heritage Convention created to

protect cultural and natural heritage which have universal values. The final

meeting of the 40th anniversary of designation of the World Heritage Site co-

organized by UNESCO and the Japanese government will be held in Kyoto in

November. Executive Committee in the region is also poised to hold various

memorial projects and is planning to propagate the cultural charm of Kyoto

such as Japanese food, Amano-hashidate and Uji tea along with ‘Historic

Monuments of Ancient

Kyoto’ which was

registered on the World

Heritage list to the world.

Registering Kyoto’s Valuable Assets on New World

Heritage Lists

Kyoto Prefecture - Japan

Aomori Prefecture and

Khabarovsk Territory

marked the 20th

anniversary of the Treaty

of Friendship and

Cooperation in August.

In honor of that

anniversary, the

“Khabarovsk Trade Fair,”

co-organized by the two regions, will be held in Aomori Prefecture to

introduce the tourism and specialties of Khabarovsk to people in the region.

Russian folk songs and folk dances and working-level talks will be held to

discuss the future direction of exchange.

Aomori and Khabarovsk to hold memorial project

marking the 20th anniversary of the Treaty of

Friendship and Cooperation

Aomori Prefecture - Japan

Sejong City became an official member of the Association of North East

Asia Regional Governments (NEAR). The city applied for membership to

NEAR along with the city’s launch on July 1 to enhance its profile as a

prestigious, environmentally friendly city by participating in international

conferences and becoming a member of international organizations. Sejong

city was approved as an official member of NEAR at the 9th General Assembly

held in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China between July

24-27 and has started full-fledged activities.

“By becoming a member of NEAR, we secured a stepping stone for

strengthening exchange

and cooperation with

major cities in Northeast

Asia, which is emerging

as one of the world’s

three largest economic

regions. With this

opportunity, we will do

our utmost to make

Sejong City became a NEAR member together with

the city’s launch

Sejong City - Korea

When: Sunday, August 19, 2012Where: Front Hall 1F, ASPM (Aomori Sightseeing ProductsMansion), Aomori Prefecture, JapanContact: International Group, International EconomyDepartment, Bureau of Strategic Tourism and InternationalAffairs, Aomori Prefectural Government. TEL +82-17-734-9218

The KOSHINOKUNI Museum of Literature opened on July 6, 2012.

Toyama Prefecture is the hometown of Etchu1) Manyo2), where Otomo

Yakamochi, a Manyo poet, recited 223 poems about 1,300 years ago. In

modern times, the region has produced writers such as Hotta Yoshie, Genji

Keita and Kadokawa Genyoshi.

In addition, many literary works are set in Toyama Prefecture.

Toyama produced Takida Yojiro, Motoki Katsuhide and Hosoda Mamoru in

the film sector, and Fujiko Fujio A and Fujiko Fujio in the comic book sector.

The KOSHINOKUNI Museum of Literature is a place everyone can enjoy as

it introduces the charms of the Toyama Prefecture’s folk literature by taking

advantage of visual technology and interactive experiments.

It will feature the opening exhibition “Otomo Yakamochi and Etchu Manyo-

Climate (Mind) and Resounding Heart of Yakamochi” until October 14.

Koshino Literature House Opens

Toyama Prefecture - Japan

Where: 2-22 Hunabashiminami-cho Toyama city, ToyamaPrefectureOpening Hours: 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.* During the Opening Exhibition:

Fri./Sat. until 8:00 p.m., other days until 6:00 p.m.

Admission Fees (Permanent Exhibitions): GeneralAdmission 200 yen (except for Temporary Exhibitions)Contact: T. +81-76-431-5492

1) Etchu: the ancient name for modern Toyama, 2) Manyo: Collection of Japanese poetry

Khabarovsk traditional dance troupe“Slavyanskaya gusha”

The ceremony launching Sejong Special Self-Governing City as the 17th metropolitan autonomous entity in Korea(July 2, 2012)

“Discover Mongolia 2012,” the international mining investors’ forum, will

be held between August 30-31 in Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia. This forum,

celebrating its 10th anniversary, will be a good opportunity for investors and

companies to formulate their own perspective on Mongolia’s investment

environment. Mongolia has a newly elected parliament, and the Discover

Mongolia Forum will be a platform for the government of Mongolia as well as

private sector investors to engage in constructive exchange. In 2011, over

1,500 people from 20 countries participated in “Discover Mongolia.” The

number of participants in the forum is expected to increase in the years ahead,

and it will be an influential investors’ forum in Asia.

2012 International Mining Investors’

Forum to Take Place

Ulaanbaatar City - Mongolia

The scene of the InternationalMining Investors’ Forum in 2011

NEAR This Month NEAR Member News


The Yeongilman

Harbor in Pohang,

Gyeongsangbuk-do

Province is expediting its

movement towards a

fully-fledged operation

with a new leap forward

on the 3rd anniversary of

its opening. The harbor is now planned for completion in 2020 after a 2 trillion

854.4 billion won investment opened four container berths in August 2009.

This year, marking the 3rd anniversary of its opening, and the harbor opened

two more general berths. Future projects, such as building 16 berths, an 8.11

km breakwater and port hinterland complexes, aim to establish the harbor as

the hub port that covers the East-Sea Rim Economic Region in the 21st

century. When a high-standard port logistics infrastructure, including the

surrounding road network and the inland railway at Yeongilman Harbor, is

expanded, it will become the international logistics Hub of the East-Sea Rim

Region both in name and in reality.

Currently, the Yeongilman Harbor in Pohang operates 3 Russia routes, 2

China routes, 1 Japan route, 1 Southeast Asia route, and 1 Busan coastwise

route, totaling 8 routes and 13 voyages. This year, this will be expanded to

include 13 routes and 18 voyages by opening new Northeast Asia routes

including Zarubino, Russia, Vietnam and Thailand, and new Japan routes

including Kobe and Osaka. A trial run of international cruise ships and ferries

to link the Yeongilman Harbor in Pohang and the Maizuru port in Japan is

planned in preparation for the construction of the International Ferry Terminal.

The Yeongilman Harbor in Pohang Seeking the 2nd

Miracle on the Yeongilman Bay

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province -Korea

Sejong city the practical administrative capital

and a world-class prestigious city by expanding

exchange with other administrative capitals in

the world such as Putrajaya, Malaysia.

The Present Status of Sejong Special Self-Governing CityPopulation and Size: 102 thousand, 465Major Features: new administrative capital city, science-beltdistrictMajor Tourist Attractions: Tower Milma-ru, Bear Tree Park,Gobok Reservoir

A Bird’s-Eye View of SejongSpecial Self-Governing City

Governor of ZabaikalskyTerritory Ravil Geniatulin and

Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo

Ravil Geniatulin, Governor of Zabaikalsky Territory, Russia, met with

NEAR Secretary General Kim Jae-hyo at the International China Harbin Fair

for Trade and Economic Cooperation on June 16. Governor Ravil Geniatulin

explained the need for the introduction of overseas capital and technology in

the development of the Zabaikalsky Territory and mentioned that the

Zabaikalsky Territory wants to get help by participating in NEAR activities. In

response, SG Kim Jae-hyo explained the various activities of the NEAR Sub-

Committees and suggested taking advantage of those activities. Governor

Ravil Geniatulin said that currently Zabaikalsky Territory has very few

economic exchanges with Korea compared to the close economic exchanges

with China and Mongolia. He expressed his wish to establish greater exchange

and cooperation with the Korean regional governments through NEAR and

pledged active participation in NEAR activities in the future.

Governor of Zabaikalsky Territory met with NEAR SG

Zabaikalsky Territory - Russia

Container Terminal at the Yeongilman Harbor in Pohang

Region Bayanulgii Province (Mongolia)Event Golden Eagle Hunting International

FestivalWhen October 2-3Where Bayanulgii ProvinceContact Administrative Department,

Bayanulgii Province T. +976-1422-23762

NEAR NEWS Vol. 46

Events Schedule of NEAR Member Regions

14

NEAR This Month

September2012. 9.

October2012. 10.

Sunday Monday Tuesday

2 3 4

23 24 25

2

7 8

14 15 16

23

Events of NEAR Member Regions

Region Jeju Special Self-governing Province (Korea)

Event The 5th Jeju Women Divers FestivalWhen September 5-6Where Haenyeo MuseumContact Division of Ocean Development

T. +82-64-710-3253

Region Altai Territory (Russia)Event International Cheese FestivalWhen September 7-10Where BarnaulContact Bureau of Food and Drugs

T. +7 (3852) 635973F. +7 (3852) 637481

E-mail www.ffprom22.ruWebsite [email protected]

Region Jeollabuk-do Province (Korea)Event Jeonju Int’l Sori FestivalWhen September 13-17 Where Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do,

Jeonju Hanok VillageContact The Organizing Committee for Jeonju

Int’l Sori FestivalProgram Manager, Lee, YejunT.+82-63-232-8398F.+82-63-232-8399

Region Shandong Province (China)Event Qufu International Confucius Cultural

Festival of China 2012When September 27-29Where QufuContact Jining Confucius Cultural Festival

Affairs OfficeT. +86-537-3202805F.+86-537-3208111

E-mail [email protected]

Region Gyeongsangbuk-do Province(Korea)

Event Andong Mask dance FestivalWhen September 28-October 7Where Andong Mask dance ParkContact ANDONG FESTIVAL TOURISM

FOUNDATIONT. +82-54-841-6397

Website www.maskdance.com

Region Busan Metropolitan City (Korea)Event The 17th Busan International film

festivalWhen October 4-13Where Busan Cinema Center, Screening

theaters in the Haeundae areaContact BIFF Busan Office

T. +82-51-747-2861F. +82-51-747-2067

Website http://www.biff.kr/structure/eng/default.asp

Region Chungcheongbuk-do Province (Korea)

Event The 2nd Chinese Student FestivalWhen October 5-7Where Cheongju Arts CenterContact Tourism & Aviation Division of

Chungcheongbuk-do ProvinceT. +82-43-220-3961

Website http://www.cbcsf.net

Region Daegu Metropolitan City (Korea)Event Colorful Daegu Festival 2012When October 10-16Where Daegu CityContact Culture & Arts Division, Daegu

Metropolitan CityT. +82-53-803-3732F. +82-53-803-3729

Region Daejeon Metropolitan City (Korea)Event 2012 International Food & Wine

Festival in DaejeonWhen October 12-15Where Daejeon convention CenterContact Tourism Industry Division, Daejeon

Metropolitan cityT. +82-42-600-2432

Website http://djfestival.daejeon.go.kr

Region Daegu Metropolitan City (Korea)Event Daegu International Opera Festival

2012When October 12-November 10Where Daegu CityContact The Organizing Committee for Daegu

International Opera FestivalT. +82-53-666-6111F. +82-53-351-5825

Website http://www.diof.org/

Region Gyeongsangbuk-do Province(Korea)

Event Gyeongju Korean Traditional RiceCake & Drink Festival

When October 13-17Where Bonghwangdae Pavilion,

GyeongjuContact Foundation of Gyeongju

CultureT. +82-54-748-7721

Website www.fgf.or.kr

Region Jeollanbuk-do Province (Korea)Event Korea Food FestivalWhen October 18-22Where Jeonju CityContact Tourism Industry Division,

The office of Jeollabuk-do provincialgovernmentOfficer in Charge, Chae, Gyeong-im T.+82-63-280-3324F.+82-63-280-3969

Region Busan Metropolitan City (Korea)Event The 8th Busan Fireworks FestivalWhen October 26-27Where Gwangalli BeachContact International Cooperation Division,

Busan Metropolitan CityT. +82-51-888-3541F. +82-51-888-4039

NEAR This Month Events Schedule of NEAR Member Regions


Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

5 6 7

13 22

27 28

4 5

10 12 13

18

26 27

Region Primorski Territory (Russia)Event International Film Festival of Asian

Pacific Countries, “Pacific Meridian”When September 22-28Where VladivostokContact Cultural Bureau of Primorski Territory

T. +7423 241 2724F. +7423 241 2759

E-mail [email protected] www.vladivostokfilmfestival.ru

NEAR NEWS Vol. 46

Tottori Prefecture - Japan

16

NEAR Member Tour

Tottori Shan Shan Festival

NEAR Member Tour Tottori Prefecture - Japan


Tottori PrefectureJapan

Overview

Tottori prefecture is located in the northeast of the Chûgoku Region, which is in the west of the

Japanese Archipelago. It is around 120 km from east to west, and around 20-50 km from north to

south. In the north, it is connected to the East Sea, and there are white sandy beaches such as

Tottori Sand Dunes and green coasts with pine trees. The Chûgoku mountains spread from the

south to the north and include Mt. Daisen, the highest peak in the Chûgoku Region. It is

mountainous, but includes 3 river basins, where Tottori city, Kurayoshi city, and Yonago city

developed. It has four distinctive seasons, and the weather is comparatively warm. The days are

usually clear from spring until autumn, and it snows during winter. In addition, it has few natural

disasters, so it has weather conditions that are good for natural resources. Its major agriculture

products are the fresh tasting “Tottori Nijisseiki Pear,” and “Rakkyo” from the sand hills. It is

famous for the “Matsuba Crab,” which is harvested in the winter. In the industrial sector, offices

related to electronics, machinery, and IT devices stand close together. Industries related to foods are

also concentrated here.

International Exchange

The Tottori Prefecture has made rapid progress as the foothold in the west for exchange in the

East Sea rim by taking advantage of its geographical location. In particular, it is actively building a

relationship of exchange with Gangwon-do Province, Korea, Jilin Province, China, Primorski

Territory, Russia, and Tuv Province, Mongolia. It actively promoted exchange with the Sea

countries by signing a friendship exchange agreement with Hebe Province, China in 1986 and “the

Joint Statement on the Friendship Exchange” with Khabarovsk Territory, Russia in 2012.

Welcome to Tottori Prefecture, the Kingdom of Comics!

akaiminato city

Sakaiminato city

Tottori Prefecture

Yonago city Kurayoshi cityTottori city

NEAR NEWS Vol. 46

Tottori Prefecture - Japan

18

NEAR Member Tour

NEAR Member Tour Tottori Prefecture - Japan


related events, such as special events related to 3 cartoonists from Tottori prefecture, a cartoon

theme song concert, and a cartoon exhibition, are also planned.

From November 7-11, the “13th Tottori International Comic Artist Conference” will be held and

is expected to attract over 400 cartoonists from all over the world. It is expected that many people

from home and abroad will experience the attractions of the Tottori Prefecture, leading to the

promotion of the comics culture through these events.

* “Manga Kingdom TOTTORI” Homepage (offers 6 languages): http://manga-tottori.jp/

Tourism

Tottori Prefecture is divided into 3 regions: the Eastern region centering around Tottori City, the

Central region centering around Kurayoshi city, and the Western region centering around Yonago

city and Sakaiminato city. Each region has its respective attractions. The “Tottori Sand Dunes” in

the eastern portion of the prefecture are representative sand dunes, which are vast, sandy beaches

spread along the East Sea. They are designated as a special protection zone of the Sanin marine

national park and are Japan’s largest tourist sand dunes, stretching 2.4 km from the north to the

south, and 16 km from the east to the west.

Misasa Hot Spring, located in the central region, is well known to contain the largest deposit of

radium in the world. As it has a calm atmosphere, it is well known as an excellent spring in the

Sanin region, and many literary men have visited. In addition, Sanbutsuji Temple and Nageiredo

Hall in Mt. Santoku are unprecedented structures built on a steep cliff, and are designated as

National Treasures.

Mt. Daisen, the highest peak in the Chugoku Region, has grand scenery, is historically and

culturally valuable, and plays a central role as the western and central tourist region in Tottori

Prefecture in both name and reality. Because of its grand stature, it is called the “Mt. Fuji of Houki

Region.” Last May, “Kaike Daisen SEA TO SUMMIT,” an epoch-making sports event, was held.

Through that event, people could think of the environment while experiencing the 33 km long and

1,709m high route from Kaike Coast to the top of Mt. Daisen.

Traditional Arts

In Tottori Prefecture, traditional arts and annual events that are rich in local color, such as Kirin-

jishi (Lion) Dance, Umbrellas Dance, and Nagasibina, have been handed down through the

generations. The traditional arts that have been handed down from old times enhance the

understanding of and attachment to the region and have become the driving force for the

construction of a better region. They are handed down to the next generation consistently through

continuous preservation and transmission activities.

Gateway to Northeast Asia

Tottori Prefecture is developing a transportation

infrastructure to connect Japan, especially western Japan,

with Northeast Asia as a “Gateway to Northeast Asia.”

As the hub of marine transport, ‘Sakai Port’ operates

regular container ships that connect Korea and China, so

many imports and exports are concentrated here.

In addition, the port operates the only international

Cargo-Passenger Ships in western Japan, which connect

with Donghae City, Korea and Vladivostok, Russia. The

new route, which connects the human and material

resources of these three countries, is expected to have a

huge influence on the regional economy, such as

expanding the sales channels of businesses in the

prefecture and increasing the number of businesses,

regional employment opportunities, and foreign tourists

through the increased use of the harbors. In addition, the

Yonago Airport is directly connected to Incheon Airport

in Korea and Haneda Airport, both international airline

hubs, so it can be regarded as the inevitable

transportation infrastructure.

Kingdom of Comics

Tottori prefecture is producing world renowned

comic/cartoon artists such as Mizuki Shigeru, creator of

“GeGeGe no kitaro.” Taniguchi Jiro, creator of “In the

Village Far Away,” and Aoyama Gosho, creator of

“Detective Conan.” Because of this, Tottori Prefecture

has designated comics as a regional resource and is

making an effort to build tourist attractions and to

promote the area by taking advantage of its association

with comics. In particular, Tottori made this year the first

year of the kingdom of the comics and is holding the

“International Manga Exhibition” from August to

November, where various events, including comics,

animations and cosplays, will be held. Around 140

1 2

3

4

1. Sanbucheu Temple·Nageire Hall2. Mt. Daisen

3. Tottori Sand Dunes4. Kirin-Jishi (Lion) Dance

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROK

T. +82-54-223-2311~20 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail [email protected] Website www.neargov.org

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments

Documents

NEAR news vol.46 (ENG)