Asian Network of Major Cities 21

We, the representatives of Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, Metropolitan Manila, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo participated in the 8th Plenary Meeting of ANMC21 held in Bangkok from November 1 to 4, 2009. We have had open and friendly discussions on the joint projects of the ANMC21 and the common issues and problems encountered by our cities.

We express our sincere gratitude to the city of Bangkok, 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 among Asian major cities and sharing regional peace and prosperity through the implementation of joint projects.

2. Tourism is an important industry that has high economic ripple effects and revitalizes local communities. We confirmed that the cities of Asia have sufficient attractions and possibilities even during this current global economic crisis.
We agreed on further increasing the attractiveness of our cities, and in broadly communicating to the world the attractions of Asia. Through international tourism, we shall raise the profile of Asia in the global community.

3. Pandemic Influenza (A/H1N1) 2009, which is spreading throughout the world, has already resulted in the deaths of many people in Asia. This is a threat to the health and lives of our citizens. Large cities, because of their high concentration of people and urban functions, must especially take appropriate measures against it. We will endeavor to share the latest information and knowledge on the virus through activities including the “Countermeasures to Combat Infectious Diseases in Asia” to strengthen measures against a fearful mutation in pathogenicity of the virus.
Through such initiatives, we will build up preparations across Asia against the threat of emerging infectious diseases and contribute to ensuring the safety and peace of mind of our citizens.

4. We, the major cities of Asia, share a renewed sense of crisis concerning the global environment which is facing serious dangers and acknowledge that we will together demonstrate leadership in bolstering global-scale measures.
Through the activities of ANMC21 we will strongly promote efforts for the global environment and will also make the cities of Asia full of greenery and comfortable places to reside, and sustain this for the generations to follow.

5. The 9th Plenary Meeting of ANMC21 will be held in Tokyo at an appropriate date in 2010.