near news vol.45 (eng)

NEARNEAR Leading the Era of Northeast Asia2012. 5-6

Vol. 45

News

The Association of North East Asia Regional

Governments

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

Feature ReportNEAR Working-level Workshop 2012: A Stepping Stone for Solidarity and Collaboration that Leads to Mutual Development

NEAR Member TourGovi-Altai Province, Mongolia

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2012

Three Gorges of the Changjiang River, Hubei Province, China

“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. 45

6 12 15

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

NEAR NEWS Vol. 45

NEAR Activities

4

NEAR Activities

The 9th NEAR General Assembly is to be held on 24-27

July under the theme of “Forge Closer Cooperation,

Create Joint Prosperity” in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui

Autonomous Region, China, co-organized by NEAR and

the Government of Ningxia. It will discuss various

agendas: the proposal by Jeollanam-do Province (Korea)

to host the General Assembly 2014; proposal by

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province(Korea) on the extension of

its term of office as the host of the Secretariat and the long-

term placement of the Secretariat in Gyeongsangbuk-do;

Proposal by the Secretariat to adopt the membership fee

system and many others. Various other events will be

organized back-to-back with the meeting, including the

Northeast Asia Horticulture Industry Seminar, a tree

planting ceremony, cultural tours and art performances.

24 July(Tues.)

25 July(Wed.)

26 July(Thurs.)

27 July (Fri.)

Date

Whole day

18:30~20:00

09:00~09:50

10:00~12:00

13:30~18:00

12:00~13:30

Whole day

Content Venue

Registration and VIP meeting

Welcoming Reception

Opening Ceremony (Moderated by Vice Governor Li Rui)ㆍWelcoming Remarks by Ningxia Governor Wang Zhengwei ㆍCongratulatory Remarks by NEAR Secretary General KIM, Jae-Hyo ㆍPhoto Session

ㆍActivity Reports of the 9th Chair(Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region)ㆍActivity Reports of the Secretariat and Sub-Committees (Secretariat)Presentations by NEAR Member Regions

Review of the Agenda of the 9th General AssemblyㆍProposal to host the General Assembly 2014 (Jeollanam-do Province)ㆍProposal on the extension of Gyeongsangbuk-do’s term of office as the host of the Secretariat; long-term placement of the Secretariat inGyeongsangbuk-do (Gyeongsangbuk-do Province)

ㆍProposal on the membership fee system (Secretariat)ㆍProposal on “PioNEAR”or Professional Internship Project of NEAR (Secretariat)ㆍFree discussion Closing Ceremony

Luncheon

18:30~20:00 Dinner

Departure

20:00~21:00 Cultural and Art Performance

09:00~09:30

10:00~12:00

12:00~13:00

13:00~18:00

Opening Ceremony of the Northeast Asia Horticulture Industry Seminar

Familiarization Tour1) Park of Customs and Culture in the Homeland of Chinese Hui People Sand Lake2) Park of Customs and Culture in the Homeland of Chinese Hui People

The Yellow River Altar

Tree Planting Ceremony

Luncheon

Yuehai Hotel

YuehaiHotel

TBC

TBC

Yuehai Hotel

The opening of the 9th NEAR

General Assembly Draws Near

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2012 was held on

29-31 May in Gyeongju and Yeosu City, ROK with

an aim to enhance solidarity among NEAR members

and further NEAR's mission and goals, participated

by more than 80 working-level officials from 33

regions in four Northeast Asian countries (China,

Japan, Korea and Mongolia). (Continued on page 12)

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2012

A joint delegation comprised of officials of the

NEAR Secretariat and the Government of Ningxia

Hui Autonomous Region aimed at promoting NEAR

members’ participation in the upcoming 9th General

Assembly recently finished a two-week tour of

member regions in Korea, Japan and Mongolia.

During the tour, which began on 16 April with an

official meeting with BAE, Yong Tae, Vice Governor

for Administrative Affairs of Jeollanam-do Province

(Korea), Secretary General Tan Zhaohua of Ningxia

People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign

Countries conveyed an invitation letter from Ningxia

Governor Wang Zheng Wei, offering updated

information on the conference agenda and programs.

The delegation visited Jeollanam-do, Gyeonggi-do

and Gyeongsangnam-do Province of Korea, Hyogo,

The Agenda of the 9th NEAR General Assembly

※ The schedule can be adjusted as needed.

Shimane and Tottori Prefecture of Japan and

Ulaanbaatar City, Bayankhongor and Uvurkhangai

Province of Mongolia, most of which agreed that

their regions would be represented at the General

Assembly by senior officials at vice governor-level or

higher, as requested by the Chair region.

Furthermore, the delegation visited the Chinese

The Joint delegation of the NEAR Secretariat and the government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region met with Kazuo Kanazawa, ViceGovernor of Hyogo Pref. (third from left of the left photo) and D. Togtokhsuren, Governor of Uvurkhangai Prov. (center of the right photo)

Embassy in Mongolia and the headquarters of the

Japan Local Government Center (CLAIR) to ask for

cooperation in encouraging more regions to attend

the meeting.

On the 3rd June, a second delegation of Ningxia

officials is scheduled to head to Russian regions and

organizations including the Primorksy Territory.

NEAR Delegation Embarked on a Tour of Northeast Asian Nations to Promote Participation in the 9th General Assembly

NEAR This Month NEAR Activities / NewsSecretariat News

The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments 5

Date Schedule

Day 1 (28. Aug.) Arrival, Check-in, Welcome Reception

Day 2 (29. Aug.)Sub-Committee Meeting

(Theme: “Northeast Asia United through

Energy”)

Day 3 (30. Aug.)

Day 4 (31 Aug.)

Industrial & Cultural Tour: EXCO Green

Energy Facilities, Shincheon Solar Power

Plant, Daesung Group Solar Thermal

Power Plant and etc.

Departure

※ Detailed schedule to be announced.

Contact The Economic Committee of theAdministration of Magadan Region Vinter Valeriya Borisovna, Vice Chairwomanof the Economic Committee and Chief of theDept. of Productive Forces Developmentand Investment Policy

T. +7-4132-629308 F. +7-4132-629308 E-mail: [email protected]

Ivan Ivanovich Ponomarenko, Seconded Stafffrom Russia (Magadan Region), NEAR Secretariat

T. +82-54-223-2325 F. +82-54-223-2309E-mail: [email protected]

NEAR Secretariat

T. +82-54-223-2318E-mail: [email protected]





YOO, A-ram (Korean, English)

LEE, Hye-Jung (Chinese)

CHOI, Soo-Gyoo(Japanese)

Khishigjargal(Mongolian)

KIM, Sang-Hyun(Russian)

The 2nd Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources

Development & Coordination will be held on 1-3

August in Magadan Region, Russian Federation, where

various topics will be 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 invites officials from the departments related

to strategic economic development and mining

industry of NEAR member regional governments and

executives of mining and investment companies.

The 2nd Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development

& Coordination to Be Held on 1-3 August in Magadan

1) “Northeast Asia Wings of Exchange in

Shimane 2012”

“Northeast Asia Wings of Exchange in Shimane

2012” is to be held on 3-8 August, where youths

from Northeast Asian countries visiting Shimane

Prefecture will stay together with local students

through a home-stay program. They will be engaged

in discussions on environment and welfare,

experience the traditional culture of Shimane and

introduce their own culture to each other.

2) “International Culture Palette of Northeast

Asia”

Aimed at contributing to cultural exchanges and

building networks among Northeast Asian regions,

Shimane Prefecture will hold the "International

Culture Palette of Northeast Asia on 7-11 October

where traditional culture and art troupes from

Northeast Asian regions are invited to conduct

performances and build friendship with prefectural

residents. This year marking the 40th anniversary of

the normalization of Japan-China relations, art

troupes from Jilin Province, with which Shimane

signed an agreement of friendship, will be invited to

cement ties between the two countries.

Sub-Committee on Educational & Cultural

Exchange 2012

The 1st Sub-Committee on Energy & Climate Change will

be held on 28-30 August in Daegu Metropolitan City, Korea,

under the theme of “Northeast Asia United through Energy.”

The inaugural meeting of the Sub-Committee will be

organized back-to-back with the International LED &

Display Korea, the biggest trade fair in Korea for LED

industry, not only to form a partnership to fight climate

change, but also to expand opportunities for policy exchange

and business cooperation among participating regions.

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.

Date: 28-30 August (Tues.-Wed.)

Venue: EXCO, Daegu

Schedule

The Inaugural Meeting of the Sub-Committee on Energy

& Climate Change Scheduled for 28-30 August in Daegu

Secretariat News

The list of staffs seconded from NEAR members to work at the Secretariat

from May 2012 to April 2013 is finalized.Announcement of New Staffs Seconded from NEAR Members to the Secretariat

Country Region Name

ChinaHeilongjiang Province

Ningxia Hui AutonomousRegion

Bayankhongor Province

Hyogo Prefecture

Zhang Boyang

Ma Yisha (will work by October 2012)

Takahisa Ikegami

Davaasambuu Erdenebileg

Ivan Ivanovich Ponomarenko

Japan

Mongolia

Russia Magadan Region (From left) Zhang Boyang, Ma Yisha (China), Takahisa Ikegami (Japan), DavaasambuuErdenbileg (Mongolia) and Ivan Ivanovich Ponomarenko (Russia)

NEAR NEWS Vol. 45

NewsSecretariat News / NEAR Member News

6

NEAR This Month

NEAR Member News

Secretary General Kim met with Governor Vyacheslav Ivanovich Shport of

Khabarovsk Territory on 30 May in Changwon City of Gyeongsangnam-do Province

along with Mikhail Bondarenko, Head of the Trade Mission of the Russian

Federation in ROK and Dianov Vyacheslav, Director General of the Department of

International Relations of Khabarovsk. Invited by Secretary General Kim to the 9th

NEAR General Assembly on 24-27 July in China, Governor Shport said that while

he would not be able to attend in person this time, a Khabarovsk delegation would be

organized instead and that more attention would be allocated to NEAR activities.

Secretary General Kim Met with Khabarovsk Governor

Vyacheslav Ivanovich Shport

(From left) Bondarenko Mikhail, Head of the Trade Mission of the Russian Federation, Vyacheslav Ivanovich Shport, Governor of Khabarovsk Territory and KIM Jae-Hyo, Secretary General of NEAR.

The opening ceremony of the “Private Enterprises Recruitment Week” Back in 3 June 2011, at 2 p.m., Wuhan City of Hubei Province was declared

the host of the 2012 Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup by the Badminton World

Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the National Development and Reform Commission,

the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the People’s Government of Heilongjiang

Province, the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province and the People’s Government of Harbin

Municipality, and co-sponsored by governmental departments and trade promotional institutions from

over 10 countries including the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Russian Federation

and the Association of the Promotion of International Trade of Japan.

Since its first session in 1990, 1.8 million exhibitors and visitors from more than 80 countries and

regions attended the fair with over US ＄100 billion contract volume concluded.

On May 8, the “Private Enterprises Recruitment Week” was launched at the

Zhengzhou Human Resources Center, hosted by the Department of Human

Resources and Social Security, the Department of Education, the Federation of

Trade Union and the Federation of Industry and Commerce of Henan Province.

The Vice-Chairwoman of Henan CPPCC and Chairwoman of the Henan

Federation of Industry and Commerce Liang Jing as well as the Deputy Director-

General of the Department of Human Resources and Social Security Wang Jinfa

attended the opening ceremony.

The recruitment event will be organized for a week in 18 municipalities and 10

counties under the theme of “Progress Can Be Made at Private Enterprises,” with

an aim to help not only college graduates, but migrant workers and jobseekers.

2012 Private Enterprises Recruitment Week launched at Henan Province

Henan Province - China

The 23rd China Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair will be held on 15-18 June at the

Harbin International Conference Exhibition Center.

The China Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair (Harbin Trade Fair) is a large-scale,

national-level international fair approved by the Chinese government. It is co-hosted by the Ministry of

The 23rd China Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair

Heilongjiang Province - China

Wuhan Hosted the 2012 BWF Thomas and Uber Cup

Hubei Province - China

Press Conference of the 23rd China Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair held in Beijing

BWF President KANG Young-Joong (second from left) and Deputy Director-General Zhang Jin of Hubei Sports Administration (first from left) posed right after Wuhan was declared the host of the 2012 BWF Thomas and Uber Cup.

NEAR This Month NEAR Member News


The “Yamagata Safflower1) Society” was founded in October 2010 initiated

by Yamagata Prefecture Seoul Office as a unique society compared to others,

because anybody regardless of nationality or residence, can become a

qualified member if she/he has a connection to the region.

The gathering began with a simple idea, but already celebrates its third

anniversary this year with 51 members, including 33 Japanese and 18

Koreans. Regular meetings are held four times a year and the Tokyo branch

was established by members who returned to Japan. Even though Koreans

make up quite a large part of membership, most of the dialogues are in

Japanese. It is expected that the “Yamagata network of people” regardless of

age, nationality and occupation will continue to grow and be utilized for

strengthening Korea-Japan exchange and cooperation.

※ 1) Safflower is the prefectural flower of Yamagata widely cultivated

in the region.

Federation(BFW) at a press conference in Qingdao. Accordingly this year, the

2012 BWF Thomas and Uber Cup are held in China for the first time in the

recent 10 years. “Just like Davis Cup, the Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup are

the most prestigious events among the world’s men’s and women’s badminton

team championships. Our dream to host the 2012 Thomas Cup and the Uber

Cup came true,” said Zhang Jin, Deputy Director-General of Hubei Sports

Administration, hoping to “take this opportunity to introduce Wuhan to the

world and promote the development of Hubei’s sports field”

More Koreans Joining the Cheering Squad for Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture - Japan

From the establishment of its first railway in 1882, to the opening of sea

lanes to Vladivostok in 1902 and the Eurasian International Railway1)in 1912

linking between its Kanegasaki Station and Tokyo’s Shinbashi Station as the

terminus of the railways connecting Europe to the Japan’s heartland, Tsuruga

City flourished as a crucial transportation hub and link to Europe in the late

19th century. In commemoration of this history, the Pacific Venus cruise will

“Tsuruga-Vladivostok Cruise” Will Take You to the Closest

Europe from Japan

Fukui Prefecture - Japan

Since one thirds of the myths in the Kojiki, the oldest chronicle of Japan,

took place in Izumo, (in the eastern part of) 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 July to 11th November. 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. Relevant

municipalities and private

organizations are making

concerted efforts so that

visitors may experience

various attractions of

Shimane.

set sail fromTsuruga to Vladivostok on July 25.

On board, tourists will be introduced to the history of the Eurasian

International Railway and the “port of humanity” Tsuruga, which was the only

port to welcome Jewish refugees with “life saving visas” in 1940. Also, menus

made of fresh and local ingredients produced in Fukui Prefecture, the

birthplace of the Koshihikari rice brand, will be served as well. Come to Fukui

and experience one of the best moments of your life!

※ 1) The Eurasian International Railway trains used to make three round

trips a week between Tokyo (Shimbashi) and Tsuruga (Kanegasaki)

offering direct connection between European countries and Tokyo

via the Siberian Railway from 1912 to 1940.

Japan Myth EXPO in Shimane 2012

Shimane Prefecture - Japan

At the regular meeting of the Yamagata Safflower Society on 26 April, 2012

The Pacific Venus cruise will set sail from Tsuruga to Vladivostok on July 25

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

NEAR NEWS Vol. 45

NEAR Member News

8

NEAR This Month

Gyeongsangbuk-do Tourism Promotion Meetings were held in China

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (Gyeongbuk) has succeeded to attract 2,500

Chinese tourists with a customized marketing strategy. From 29 April to 3 May, a

Gyeongbuk tourism promotion delegation held promotional meetings in Jilin and

Liaoning Province of China to present tourism products customized to the Chinese

market and visited leading tourist agencies to conduct sales calls. The customized

tourism products include School Trip Packages to the most beloved tourist

destinations among Chinese people, such as Gyeongju, Moongyeong, Andong and

Yeongju, Traditional Culture Experience Tour, World Cultural Heritage Tour,

Hallyu Dream Festival Package Tour, Festivals Tour Packages and etc.

As a result of such efforts, a total of 2,500 group tourists were secured, including

1000 school trip participants, delegations composed of 500 parents of Chinese

students studying in Korea, and 1,000 participants of the cultural events marking

the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Korea-China diplomatic ties. To

achieve the goal of attracting 1.5 million inbound tourists this year, Gyeongbuk is

committed to put continued efforts into promoting its tourism sector by providing

tailor- made products for the customers of each country and expanding local

networks.

Gyeongsangbuk-do Attract Tourists from China through

Customized Marketing

Chungcheongbuk-do Province - Korea

The 3rd International Morin Khuur (Horse Head Fiddle) Festival was held from

29 April to 2 May in Ulaanbaatar City as part of the policy of the Mongolian

Government to spread the recognition of the traditional instrument. More than 200

horse head fiddle musicians, researchers, scholars and craftsmen from various

countries participated in the main event, including Mongolia, the Republic of

The 3rd International Morin Khuur Festival Held in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar City - Mongolia

The 8th Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (JIMFF) will be held on 9-

15 August in Jecheon, Chuncheongbuk-do Province. As Korea’s only and Asia’s

first festival that incorporates both music and film, JIMFF introduces about 110

music films from all around the world and over 80 live concerts captivating about

135,000 filmgoers and music lovers every year. Under the concept “harmony

among movies, music and nature” it strives to be a celebration of film and

presentation of exhilarating music, both to be enjoyed by audiences of all

generations and tastes among the beautiful landscapes of Jecheon.

The festival presents a series of programs that combine film and music in new

and innovative ways, including a section dedicated specifically to movie music and

a program which introduces new trends and currents in contemporary music and

cinema. A number of live concerts and musical performances such as “One

Summer Night” and “JIMFF Live Stage” are also held on an outdoor stage right on

the picturesque shores of Lake Cheongpung.

The 8th Jecheon International Music & Film Festival

Chungcheongbuk-do Province - Korea

The official poster of the 8th edition of JIMFF (by photographer CHO, Nam -Ryong) matches theconcept of the festival which pursues the beauty of nature and the powerful energy of youth.Through the poster, JIMFF expresses its will to develop a bond of sympathy with the audienceas well as to solidify its place as the unique music festival in Asia.

The Association of North East Asia

Regional Governments

NEAR This Month NEAR Member News


The delegation of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (China) who visited

Mongolia on 22-26 April to promote the 9th NEAR General Assembly met with G.

Amarsanaa, Governor of Bayankhongor Province to conclude a Treaty of

Friendship and Cooperation. The treaty is expected to enhance active cooperation

between the two regions which share many things in common including

geographical and climate conditions.

Buryatia (Russia), China, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Germany, USA and Korea,

especially with a record-high number of musicians from China and Japan (30 from

each). In particular, the Japanese team brought out a concert level performance

celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Mongolia-Japan

diplomatic relations.

The International Morin Khuur Festival is held every year to raise the profile of

Mongolian culture and arts overseas and promote the research capabilities of

scholars and the artistry of musicians. Morin Khuur is one of the Masterpieces of

the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity identified by UNESCO.

Bayankhongor and Ningxia Signed Agreement of

Friendship and Cooperation

Bayankhongor Province - Mongolia

A delegation of Khabarovks Territory headed by Governor Vyacheslav

Ivanovich Shport comprising more than 40 members, including high-ranking

administrative officials and representatives of 12 Russian companies paid an

official visit to Korea from 29 May to 1 June to hold a trade and investment

conference. After participating in the main

event organized on 29 May at the Seoul

Plaza Hotel by the Government of

Khabarovsk Territory, the Trade Mission of

the Russian Federation in ROK and the

Korea-Russia Business Council, the

delegation visited Busan Metropolitan City

and Chanwon City of Gyeongsangnam-do

Province on the next day.

Khabarovsk Delegation Paid Official Visit to Korea

Khabarovsk Territory - Russia

The 3rd International Morin Khuur (Horse Head Fiddle) Festival

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Bayakhongor Province concluded a Treaty ofFriendship and Cooperation (from left, Tan Zhaohua, Secretary General of Ningxia People’sAssociation for Friendship with Foreign Countries and G. Amarsanaa, Governor ofBayankhongor Province)

Vyacheslav Ivanovich Shport

NEAR NEWS Vol. 45

Events Schedule of NEAR Member Regions

10

NEAR This Month

Events of NEAR Member Regions

July2012. 7.

Sunday Monday Tuesday

8 9 10

15 16 17

5 6 7

26 27 28

August2012. 8.

■ Region Gyeongsangnam-do Province (Korea)

■ Event The 4th EAS Congress 2012

■ When 9-13 July

■ Where Changwon Convention Center,Changwon

■ Contact COEX Convention TeamT. +82-2-6000-8134

F. +82-2-6000-8190

■ E-mail [email protected]

■ Website http://eascongresskorea.org/eng/

■ Region Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) (Russia)

■ Event The 2nd International Festival “TheMeeting of UNESCO Masterpieces

on Olonkho Land”

■ When 4-16 July

■ Where Yakutsk City

■ Contact Dept. of Culture of Republic of Sakha T. +7-4112-42-06-08

T. +7-4112-42-11-63


■ Region Tuv Province (Mongolia)

■ Event National Singing and Folk Dance Festival

■ When 5 August

■ Where Tuv Province

■ Contact Administration of Tuv Province T. +976-1272-23711

■ Region Daegu Metropolitan City (Korea)

■ Event The 12th International Meeting onInformation Display

■ When 27-31 August

■ Where EXCO, Daegu

■ Contact IMID 2012 SecretariatT. +82-2-563-7992

F. +82-2-556-3396

■ Website http://www.imid.or.kr/

■ Region Jeollanam-do Province (Korea)

■ Event The 12th Yeosu International YouthFestival

■ When 24-29 July

■ Where Yeosu City

■ Contact Tourism Dept. of Yeosu City Gov.T. +82-61-690-2042

■ Website http://festival.yeosu.go.kr/home/festival

22 23 24

NEAR This Month Events Schedule of NEAR Member Regions


■ Region Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (Korea)

■ Event POSCO International Fire Works

■ When 27 July -4 August

■ Where Bukbu Beach

■ Contact Tourism Promotion Dept. of PohangCity Gov.

T. +82-54-270-2253

■ Website http://www.poscofs.com

■ Region Jeju Special Self-governing Province(Korea)

■ Event Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival 2012


■ Where Jejudo Island

■ Contact The Organizing Committee of Jeju Int’l Wind Ensemble Festival

T. +82-64-722-8704

F. +82-64-753-2208

■ Region Shandong Province(China)

■ Event The 22nd Qingdao International BeerFestival


■ Where Qingdao City

■ Contact T. +86-532-85928906

■ Website http://www.qdbeer.cn

■ Region Uvurkhangai Province (Mongolia)

■ Event Yak Festival / Sheep and Goats Celebration / Horse-breeder’s

Celebration

■ When 13 July / 18 July / 9 August

■ Where Bat-Ulzii soum / Zuunbayan-Ulaan soum /Ulziit soum

■ Contact Administration of Uvurkhangai ProvinceT. +976-1322-22360


■ Website http://bishirtugei.over.blog.com

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

11 12 13 14

18 19 20 21

3 4

8

1

9 10 11

29 30 31

■ Region Altai Territory (Russia)

■ Event The Day of Shukshin

■ When 19-22 July

■ Where Altai Territory

■ Contact Cultural Bureau of Altai Territory T. +7-3852-24-96-96

F. +7-3852-24-89-43


■ Website http://www.culture22.ru

■ Region Jeollanam-do Province (Korea)

■ Event The 40th Gangjin Celadon Festival

■ When 28 July-5 August

■ Where The area of Goryeo CeladonPorcelain Kilns, Gangjin County

■ Contact The Gangjinkun Native FestivalPromotion Committee

T. +82-61-430-3193

■ Website http://www.gangjinfes.or.kr/

■ Region Toyama Prefecture (Japan)

■ Event The World Festival of Children’sPerforming Arts in Toyama 2012

■ When 31 July - 5 August

■ Where Toyama City

■ Contact Civic Affairs, Environment andCulture Dept., Toyama

Prefectural Gov.

T. +81-76-444-4574

F. +81-76-444-4438

25 26 27 28

■ Region Busan Metropolitan City (Korea)

■ Event The 17th Busan Sea Festival

■ When 1-9 August

■ Where Haewoondae Beach

■ Contact The Organizing Committee for BusanCulture & Tourism Festival

T. +82-51-888-3395

F. +82-51-501-6052

■ Website http://www.festival.busan.kr/ENG

■ Region Chungcheongbuk-do Province (Korea)

■ Event The 8th Jecheon International Music &Film Festival


■ Where Jecheon City

■ Contact JIMFF Secretariat SeoulT. +82-2-925-2242

F. +82-2-925-2243

■ Website http://www.jimff.org

2

NEAR NEWS Vol. 45

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2012: A Stepping Stone for Solidarity and Collaboration that Leads to Mutual Development

12

Feature Report

Since 2006, working-level officials of five

countries in charge of NEAR affairs have got

together every year in spring. This year,

more than 80 people representing 33

regions from four countries attended the

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2012,

including three regions from China, ten

Japan, nine Korea and eleven Mongolia on

29-31 May to enhance solidarity and review

the status of cooperation among NEAR

members.

At the meeting, Shinsaku Suzuki, Visiting

Fellow of the Economic Research Institute

for Northeast Asia (ERINA) was invited to

give special lecture, where he reviewed best

practices of Japanese regions' foreign

relations diplomacy shedding new light on

how to promote mutual cooperation between

Northeast Asian regions and proposed

concrete methods and strategies for

strengthening NEAR’s role. After

presentations and discussions about shared

concerns and issues, participants moved

from Gyeongju city to Jeollanam-do Province

and visited the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea as

part of “Discover NEAR Members” program.

New, but at the Same Time Familiar

Government officials from each country arrived one by one in Gyeongju, Korea. At the beginning of the reception,

an awkward silence seemed to hang in the air, probably because most of the delegated officials were new. However,

excitement and expectation grew as smiles were exchanged, glasses were filled and toasts were made one after another by

the representatives of each country who “felt like home with new, but somehow familiar landscape and folks of Gyeongju.”

Day-1

❶

The delegations listen to the welcoming remarks of Secretary General Kim.“Toghtooyo!” Secretary General Kim and Director Myagmar Jargalsaikhan from Uvs Province clink glasses together. (“Toghtooyo" means cheers in Mongolian). ~ As a special treat after the reception, a short excursion to the downtown of Gyeongju was provided.

The Mongolian delegation poses at the Anapji pond (the palace complex of ancient Silla Dynasty)

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2012:A Stepping Stone for Solidarity and Collaboration thatLeads to Mutual Development

Feature Report NEAR Working-level Workshop 2012: A Stepping Stone for Solidarity and Collaboration that Leads to Mutual Development


Working-level Workshop Meeting

The next day the workshop was opened with a special lecture by

Shinsaku Suzuki, Visiting Fellow of the Economic Research

Institute for Northeast Asia (ERINA). Based on his 36-year

experience working for the Niigata City Hall as a practitioner in

foreign policy and economy, he shared the international cooperation

strategies and success stories of Niigata, which was able to launch

regular air and sea passenger services with sister cities, spread a

mindset of global citizenship, attract diplomatic missions through

focused efforts on people networking and economic cooperation

projects. He also emphasized on the importance of nurturing global

talents, refurbishing international logistics infrastructure and creating

a business information network in order to promote closer

collaboration between Northeast Asian regions.

“NEAR has played an important role in promoting global

cooperation in Northeast Asia. I believe it will be able to

exercise more political and economic influence if opinions of

NEAR members converging on a basic principle are translated

into a concrete project,” said Suzuki. Bringing the perspective

of an outside specialist, he made insightful suggestions for the

development of NEAR as follows: develop a follow-up system

to submit recommendations to central governments after

important meetings; organize open meetings to the public;

establish a consultative body; select agenda items closely

relevant to Northeast Asia for Sub-Committees in order to

promote deeper discussion among member regions; raise the

profile of NEAR by developing joint projects with private

institutions, research organizations and businesses and etc.

In the following session, Daegu Metropolitan City (Korea)

shared its best practices in people-to-people exchange through

various internship and training projects aimed at nurturing

global talents; Hyogo prefecture (Japan) expanding

international exchange by hosting global events; Jeollanam-do

Province (Korea) using sister city networks to improve poor

English education in its rural areas; and Uvs Province

(Mongolia) strengthening non-governmental exchange in

trans-border areas by organizing festivals.

In the final session, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

(China) reported on the preparation process of the 9th NEAR

General Assembly, while the Secretariat introduced

participants to its new project of regional cooperation

“PioNEAR” or “Professional Internship Program of NEAR.”

Discover Jeollanam-do Province:

“EXPO 2012 YEOSU KOREA”

On 31 May, participants visited the Yeosu Expo in Jeollanam-

do Province as part of NEAR Workshop’s “Discover the

Region” program. The first destination was the Korean Pavilion,

where they enjoyed a magnificent performance incorporating

both video images and traditional arts performance about

Korea's marine history and maritime capabilities. After viewing

a performance about a dugong, the last of a family of marine

mammals and a documentary film about the importance of

preserving marine life at the Theme Pavilion, the delegation

moved to the International Pavilion to have individual tours.

The panoramic view of the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012The Korean and Japanese delegates who joined the cultural tour to Yeosu as part of NEAR Workshop’s“Discover the Region” program

Shinsaku Suzuki, Visiting Fellow of the Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia (ERINA) is giving a lecture on "cooperation between Northeast Asian regions for mutual growth." Zhang Guangmin, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office, Henan Province Hidekazu Moriyasu, Director of the International Cooperation Division, Hyogo Prefecture, presents on the region's international relations strategyYun So Yong, manager of the International Trade Division, Daegu Metropolitan City answers questions on its internship programKIM Jong-hak, Director General of NEAR Secretariat gives explanation about the “PioNEAR” program.

Day-2

Day-3

NEAR NEWS Vol. 45

Govi-Altai Province, Mongolia

14

NEAR Member Tour

Overview‘Govi-Altai province was established in

1940 and it is the second biggest province in

Mongolia, occupying 141,400㎢. The capital city

Altai is located 1001 km away from Ulaanbaatar, the

capital city of Mongolia. Its population is over 56,000

and administratively divided into 18 units.

Nature and Geography Govi-Altai province

is located in the west-southern part of Mongolia and

borders with Bayankhongor, Zavkhan, Khovd

provinces and the People’s Republic of China to

the south.

A total of 10 biggest deserts of the 33 famous Gobi

Deserts of Mongolia belong to the provincial territory.

The province encompasses vast and beautiful three

major geographical zones including mountain ranges,

plain steppes and Gobi deserts.

The capital city Altai is sitiuted at an altitude of 2,181

km above the sea level, which is the highest among all

Mongolian cities. The snow-capped peaks of the Sutai

Mount are the highest point or 4,090 m above the sea

level, while the lowest point is the Nomin Desert at

583 m. The lowest and the highest temperature are

-16~-24℃ degrees Celsius in wintertime and +20~+30℃

degrees Celsius in summertime, respectively, and

annual precipitation ranges from 48 to 110 mm.

Society and Economy Most of its population

is aged between 0 and 35, mostly children and young

people. Statistically, the number of men and women is

close to equal and 50.8% are women. The major

economic sector is animal husbandry and agriculture,

Govi-Altai Province Mongolia

NEAR Member Tour Govi-Altai Province, Mongolia


The statue of Magsar Janchiv stands inthe city of Altai”One day in Mongolia,” the most famousmasterpiece of Balduu SharavEej Khairkhan Uul (Mountain) The Nine PotsLamiin Agui (Lama’s Cave)The top brand of Govi-Altai “Biger”(whiskey, champagne and wine)Tourist Route of the Eej Khairkhan Uul

sections of this masterpiece of Mongolian art

illuminates many different aspects of Mongolian

nomadic life including the various stages of felt

making, erecting a Ger, and religous rituals. This

painting by B. Sharav shows Mongolian pastoral

nomadic life as a robust colorful existance with great

liveliness shown through its many fine details. It can

be seen at the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts in

Ulaanbaatar.

Famous Local Brand Biger soum of Govi-

Altai Province is famous for producing wine, oil and

champagne made of vitamin tree fruit (Hippophae

rhamnoides). In 1981, Biger’s vitamin fruit products

were sent for the joint space flight of Soviet and

Mongolian cosmonauts. The brand won a gold and

silver medal and Grand Prix in the Western Mongolia

Exhibition, securing its place as one of the nation’s

best brands.

while tourism sectors are developed recently. The

province has more than 1.6 million of livestock and it

occupies the second place in camel husbandry of

Mongolia with 25,200 heads of camels. Various

mineral resources have been explored, such as gold,

copper, molybdenum, aluminum and coal.

National Nature Reserves There are two

major National Nature Reserves in Govi-Altai

province which belong to the Great Gobi. They

occupy a total of 98.266㎢ or 32 percent of the total

provincial territory, inhabited by various rare animals

and birds, including Gobi bear, snow leopard, wild

Asian ass, mountain goats, wild Bactrian camel, Altai

snow cock and etc.

Respected Historical Figures Govi-Altai

produced many historical figures who contributed to

national development. Among them are Balduu

Sharav, a founder of modern art in Mongolia and

soldier Magsar Janchiv.

Brave Soldier Magsar Janchiv In 1945,

during the 2nd World War, Magsar Janchiv was

assigned a mission to repair a communication line.

Though shot several times on his way, he did not give

up and died right after completing the mission at the

young age of 22. His statue stands in the city of Altai

in commemoration of the indomitable, courageous

spirit.

Balduu Sharav The painting above (Picture 2) is

“One day in Mongolia,” the most famous work of

Balduu Sharav, who is often credited with the

introduction of modern painting styles to Mongolia.

Bogd Khan (1869-1924), one of the most influential

religious and political leaders in Mongolian history,

one day ordered his court painter Sharav to depict a

grand overview of the timeless traditions of the day-

to-day life of Mongolian people. Close scrutiny of

Eej Khairkhan Uul (Mountain) - Eej Khairkhan Uul(2277m) is located in Tsogt soum of

Govi-Altai province. It is famous for rocks and stones assuming fanciful shapes, and as a place

inhabited by mountain goats, leopards, lynxs and wolves. The most famous natural feature of Eej

Khairkhan is a series of nine cascading pools of water known as the Nine Pots. The Nine Pots, with the

average width of 2-3 m, are always filled with rain water even in a draught season.

Lamiin Agui (Lama’s Cave) - “Lamiin Agui” or Lama’s Cave is the hermitage of a monk

known as Ravdan. He made a shelter for meditation by building a wall over the entrance of a natural

cave. Two beds made of piles of stones were found inside.

Tourist Route of the Eej Khairkhan Uul

1. Tourist accommodation2. Head of Stalin Rock3. Table Rock4. Sea Gull Rock5. Baby Bear Rock6. Hungry Mouth Rock7. Elephant Rock8. Silver Ingot Stone9. Nine Pots10. Theater Seats Rock11. Penis Stone12. Lamiin Agui13. Kiss Stone14. Buttocks Stone

Must Visit Places in Govi-Altai!

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

near news vol.45 (eng)

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