Nara, 7 November 2019: In 2010, which marked the 1,300th anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s first Capital, Heijo-kyo in the city of Nara, the representatives of local and regional governments in East Asia gathered in Nara and established ‘The East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress.’ This year ERIA was invited to represent international organizations at the 10th anniversary of this Congress.

In his opening remarks, Mr Shogo Arai, Governor of Nara, shared that it was very meaningful to organise this Congress in Nara because of the historical significance. ‘Because it is the 10th anniversary of the Congress this year, we decided to invite special guests from international organisations.’

Mr Sakutaro Tanino, Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to China, made a speech on the roles expected of local governments and residents regarding what is required of East Asia in the future. ‘Empathy and understanding should be prioritised in this region in order to cope with environmental issues, ageing of society, WTO and UN reformation, the North Korea issue, and African poverty. I would like to recommend that Nara creates an East Asia version of the Elysee Treaty,’ said Ambassador Tanino.

Mr Adrian S Cristobal Jr, the Chairperson of ERIA’s Governing Board, delivered his speech titled ‘The Asian Century – The Next Phase of Globalization’ in front of 200 participants including heads of state and leaders from five countries, 40 local and regional governments.

During the Congress,  participants actively exchanged opinions and held fruitful discussions on Promotion of Tourism and Enhancement of Welfare and Medical Treatment Supported by the Community.

Lastly, it was decided that the 11th East Asian Local and Regional Government Congress will be held in Bandung, Indonesia in November 2020.