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4th FNCA Meeting
Chairperson's Summary of the Fourth Meeting of
The Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia |
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| 1. |
The Fourth Meeting of the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA)
was held in Nago City, Okinawa, Japan on December 2 and 3, 2003 under the
basic theme " Nuclear Energy for the Future of Mankind and the Globe"
with the participation of Ministers and Senior Officials, responsible for
the peaceful nuclear research, development and utilization from nine Asian
countries, i.e., Australia, the People's Republic of China, Indonesia,
Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet
Nam. The meeting arranged technical tour to the fruit fly eradication facility
and the seawater desalination plant, etc. on December 4.
The Fourth FNCA Ministerial Level Meeting began with the opening address
by H.E. Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of State for Science and Technology
Policy, followed by the welcome remarks by Mr. Hirotaka Makino, Vice-Governor
of Okinawa Prefecture. Prof. Youichi Fuji-ie, Chairman of Atomic Energy
Commission (AEC) of Japan chaired the Meeting. |
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| 2. |
At the Round Table Discussion, the representatives of the FNCA countries
expressed their views and made comments on two topics, namely: " Enhancement
of Socio-Economic Impact of Radiation and Radioisotope Application"and"
Sustainable Development and Nuclear Energy". |
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(1) For discussion of the first topic, H.E. Dr. Estrella Alabastro, Secretary
of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines, took the role of moderator,
and H.E. Dato'Seri Law Hieng Ding, Minister of Science, Technology and
Environment (MOSTE) of Malaysia, as the leadoff speaker, introduced the
important role of nuclear technology in improving the quality of life of
people. The presentations, discussion and suggestions are summarized as
follows:
| a. |
There was a general agreement among participants on the importance of applications
of radiation, radioisotopes and nuclear technology in the fields of health,
agriculture, industry and preservation of the environment, including water
and air quality. |
| b. |
It was emphasized that the linkage between research and development institutions
and end users is important. Research and development institutions and relevant
organizations should be business friendly. |
| c. |
To improve the linkage, FNCA has instituted open seminars. The FNCA member
countries are encouraged to make plans for open seminars in conjunction
with project workshops and meetings. |
| d. |
For the effective application of radiation and nuclear technology, information
to the public is vitally important. Nuclear research institutes have an
important role in information dissemination. |
| e. |
Harmonization of project activities between FNCA and RCA (IAEA) was strongly
recommended. |
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(2) During the second half of the Round Table Discussion, Mr. Tetsuya Endo,
Vice-Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission of Japan, was the moderator as
well as the leadoff speaker. He drew attention to the essential role of
nuclear energy to modern society, especially in the fields of power and
radiation use.
The discussion and conclusion are summarized as:
| a. |
It is expected that demand for energy and electricity will increase in
the FNCA countries due to economic and population growth. In order to meet
the increasing demand for energy, nuclear energy is a feasible option in
most countries of the FNCA. |
| b. |
In this connection, it is noted that linkage between sustainable development
and nuclear energy exists in those countries, and nuclear energy should
not be excluded from CDM in the second commitment period starting from
2013. |
| c. |
The proposal to create a new panel on "Role of Nuclear Energy for
Sustainable Development in Asia"was endorsed, and it is hoped that
the report can be submitted promptly. |
| d. |
The relationship between sustainable development and applications of radiation,
radioisotopes and nuclear technology was confirmed. |
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| 3. |
Mr. Soichi Nagamatsu, Deputy Director General for Science and Technology
Policy of the Cabinet Office of Japan reported on the progress of FNCA
activities and the summary of the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) that was
held the previous day. The delegates expressed their appreciation for the
tangible progress of activities, and endorsed the future plan. The SOM
Summary Report was duly adopted at the Ministerial Level Meeting.
Following the suggestion at the Third FNCA Meeting in Seoul, high level
discussion on the "Human Resources Development (HRD) Strategy for
Nuclear Science, Technology and Applications" took place at the SOM,
and a summary was reported by Dr. Sueo Machi, FNCA Coordinator of Japan. |
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| 4. |
In Session 3, the country reports on "Nuclear Research and Development
Policy of the Country and FNCA Activities" were presented by delegates.
The first part was chaired by Prof. Fuji-ie of Japan, and the latter part
was chaired by H.E. Mr. Hoang Van Huay, Vice-Minister of Science and Technology
(MOST) of Viet Nam.
The reports covered various endeavors of peaceful nuclear programs in each
country including the latest progress of nuclear research and development,
together with recent policy developments. After reviewing FNCA activities
in the previous years, the participating countries expressed appreciation
for the tangible progress of activities, and paid attention to the future
cooperation within the FNCA framework. All delegates reiterated the importance
of cooperation among the FNCA countries following the FNCA's goals set
by the member countries for the benefits of a better life in a more comfortable
environment. |
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| 5. |
In concluding the Session, Prof. Fuji-ie of Japan introduced the chairperson's
summary, including the venue of the Seventh FNCA Meeting in 2006. The representative
of Viet Nam proposed that the 5th FNCA Meeting be held in autumn 2004 in
Viet Nam. |
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