Asian Network of Major Cities 21

We, the representatives of Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Metropolitan Manila, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo participated in the 7th Plenary Meeting of ANMC21 held in Kuala Lumpur from November 19 to 22, 2008, to strengthen our relationship and cooperation in developing deep social and economic ties through our network of joint projects.

We express our sincere gratitude to the city of Kuala Lumpur, which, as the Host City, brought this Plenary Meeting to a successful conclusion.

Upon the close of this meeting, through collective and common understanding achieved in our discussions thus far, we hereby declare the following:

1. We shall give full commitment and continuous support in pursuing ANMC 21 objectives of promoting greater solidarity and cooperation between Asian major cities and share regional peace and prosperity through the implementation of joint projects.

2. Since the establishment of the ANMC21 in 2001, we 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 we 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, we 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, we have renewed our common sense of crisis and have agreed to collaborate in undertaking effective efforts against this. In addition, we have decided “Development of Affordable, Safe and Fast Mass Housing Technology Project” as a new Joint Project for the ANMC21.

3. We acknowledge that many Asian cities today are still facing natural disasters such as cyclones and heavy rains. Against the threat of flood such as occurrences of localized heavy rain and rising sea level due to climate change and reduced water retention capabilities arising from deforestation and urbanization, every member city is working to formulate measures for flood prevention and disaster mitigation through steady efforts and innovative ideas. We will establish a rapid information-providing system for citizens and evacuation systems in emergencies through exchanges among the member cities in the field of experience, information on policies, technology and personnel, and in this way, improve flood control measures in all member cities to make Asian cities not only safe but also comfortable to live in through adaptation to climate change.

4. 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 through, for example, hosting international events, which provide opportunities for interaction between peoples and present occasions for the cities to make their attractiveness widely known to the world. We will further encourage sports promotion and exchanges in Asia through the activities of ANMC21. In addition, we will work together to cooperate and support in hosting international sports events, namely the Olympic, the Paralympic, the Youth Olympic, the Deaflympic, and other games such as marathon. Therefore, we will continue to have these events to let the world become aware of Asia’s attractions and potentials, and raise Asia’s global profile.

5. The 8th Plenary Meeting of ANMC21 will be held in Bangkok at an appropriate date in 2009.