- 2002 Northeast Asia Economic Conference in Niigata
RESOLUTION
Niigata, 29th January 2002
On 28th and 29th January 2002, like-minded old friends and new associates gathered in Niigata to participate in the Northeast Asia Economic Conference, which has already become something of an annual event. Over the two days which participants spent together, they obtained a great deal of new information, gained new inspiration from the perspectives of their neighbors, ascertained the results of joint projects, promised further cooperation, and broadened and deepened ties with other participants.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Tasuku Takagaki focused on Russia, where growth has begun to take off, while in the special address, Mr. Yongtu Long spoke from the perspective of China, which is increasing its presence in international economic relations, having joined the WTO; both speakers related recent trends and made suggestions as to what the countries should now tackle. The knowledge gained from the energy seminar and the trade and investment seminar was also of great value.
During the meetings of experts in transportation and regional cooperation, to the results of projects undertaken by interested parties to date was added fresh stimulus from new experts, and a serious, in-depth discussion unfolded. The main result of this was in the form of specific recommendations.
The fields of trade and investment (Information Technology), development finance and the environment, at the same time as being areas of concern for people throughout the globe, are issues with regard to which solutions arising from wide-ranging wisdom are also being sought in Northeast Asia. The remarks made during each panel session are based on specialist knowledge in the field, and added a fresh dimension to complicated problems.
New business opportunities were not limited to the business discussions relating to foodstuffs from Northeastern China, but have arisen throughout the conference, in a variety of situations.
The undivided attention to the speakers by their audiences, the intense questioning and exchanges of opinions, and the breaks where the flower of conversation bloomed in every nook and cranny are all testament to the strong cohesive power of the common goal of development in the Northeast Asian economic community. At the close of the conference, the participants held the realization of the proposed transportation corridors, for the sake of the development of Northeast Asia, as their common goal and shared a sense of the importance of continuing their activities, aimed at moving from theory to practice.
We, the participants of the 2002 Northeast Asia Economic Conference in Niigata, resolve to be unstinting in our efforts to realize these goals.
