Asian Network of Major Cities 21

Introduction

　First and foremost, as a host for the 7th Plenary meeting of ANMC 21, I would like to thank all the participating cities for their contributions, thoughts and ideas.

　This can be seen through the Plenary Meeting, Implementation Report of the ANMC 21 Joint Project, Policy Dialogue on Flood Control Measures and Special Report on Promotion of Sports.

　All the member cities had given their full cooperation, commitment and participation to make this meeting a success.


Kuala Lumpur Declaration

　This morning, all the member cities have deliberated and unanimously adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration.

　Please allow me to brief on the content of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration.

　We, the representatives from Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur aims to strengthen our relationship and cooperation in developing deep social and economic ties through our network of joint projects.

　Through collective and common understanding achieved in the discussions, all the participating cities hereby declare the following:

　The participating cities will give full commitment and continuous support in pursuing ANMC 21 objectives of promoting greater solidarity, cooperation between Asian Major cities, share regional peace and prosperity through the implementation of joint projects.


Implementation Report of the ANMC 21 Joint Projects

　Since the establishment of the ANMC 21 in 2001, participating cities have produced steady results through implementation of joint projects including the promotion of development of a small to medium-sized jet passenger plane and the network for crisis management in Asia.

　In addition, last year participating cities provided a “Review of the Joint Projects” and summarized initiatives and directions to be taken to make our projects more effective.

　Based on this review, participating cities have determined the mid-term plans to define the objective of each project and have agreed to cooperate in further fulfillment and development of the joint projects through their steady implementation and evaluation after the term.

　Notably, with the possibility of a new influenza pandemic posing a pressing threat, participated cities have renewed our common sense of crisis and have agreed to collaborate in undertaking effective efforts against this.

　In addition, we have decided the ‘Development of Affordable, Safe and Fast Mass Housing Technology Project’ by Manila for the ANMC 21.


Policy Dialogue : Flood Control Measures

　Every member city is working to formulate measures for flood prevention and disaster mitigation through steady efforts and innovative ideas.

Special Report : Promotion of Sports

　 Sports promotion has the effects of not only encouraging the maintenance of citizens’ good health and the healthy development of children but also of urban revitalization and tourism development.

　In regard to the Special Report on “Promotion of Sports” ,various constructive presentations and announcements were given by participating cities.

　The participating cities will work in cooperation for successful carrying out of the Deaflympics 2009 by Taipei, the First Summer Youth Olympics by Singapore in 2010 , Enjoy Jakarta Anniversary Basketball Tournament 2009 and Jakarta International 10k 2009.

　Tokyo was selected as one of the candidate cities for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the members generally expressed support for its bid. We will continue to host various international sport events to let the world become aware of Asia’s attractions and potentials and raise Asia’s global profile.

　Member cities will further encourage sports promotion and exchanges in Asia through the activities of ANMC21.


Host city for the 8th Plenary Meeting of ANMC 21

　The 8th Plenary meeting will be held in Bangkok at an appropriate date in 2009.


Thank you.