Tumen River Area Development Issues
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REPORT A
A Regional Development Strategy for the Tumen River Economic Development Area and North East Asia
Prepared by: The Tumen River Area Development Programme RDS Sub-Group
United Nations Development Programme
New York Consultant: PDP Australia Pty Ltd.
“Carinya” Private Bag 7
Wodonga Victoria 3690 Australia
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INTRODUCTION
This report presents the overall strategy that the participating Governments have determined
for development of the Tumen River Economic Development Area (TREDA) and its associated
hinterland. The strategy has evolved over the duration of the Tumen River Area Development
Programme (TRADP) which is now nearing the end of its first phase. Its evolution reflects the
ideas and contributions that have been made by the National Teams that helped develop the
strategy and it also reflects and supports the significant developments that have been taking
place in the region over the past two years. The strategy is dynamic and will continue to evolve
as the development in the region gathers pace.
The report builds on the Preliminary Draft Report "A Regional Development Strategy for the
Tumen River Economic Development Area" in three ways.
It seeks to summarize the findings from the work done by the Regional Development
Strategy (RDS) team and to integrate these with the work that has been carried out by
others on sectoral aspects of development in the region. Importantly, it attempts to
integrate the environmental considerations that were raised by the recent "Preliminary
Environmental Study";
It seeks to add some insights on the perspective of Mongolia since that country was
unable to participate in the earlier work of the RDS team. This aspect has meant that
the document also includes the broader North East Asia view whilst still placing major
emphasis on TREDA;
It seeks to develop the basis for an Action Plan for future work in developing the region
as discussed in the most recent Program Management Committee (PMC) in Moscow in
July 1994 (PMC (IV)).
The report is presented in 11 sections as follows:
An introduction to the report;
Where the Tumen River is located and how it fits into the regional context;
The vision and goal that Governments have set for development of the region;
A description of the resources that are available in the region;
The strategies for development of the key sectors in the region;
The progress towards development of the region under TRADP;
The Governments’ broad strategy designed to enable TREDA to compete successfully
against other regions;
The nature of the arrangements for cooperation amongst the participating
Governments in the region;
The approach to implementation that has been chosen by Governments;
The benefits expected from this approach;
Overall summary and action plans.
The report seeks to achieve two purposes:
First, it aims to provide those agencies and potential investors outside the region with
an appreciation of the potential of the region and to summarize the substantial progress
that has been made in developing the region.
Second, it seeks to provide those Governments and agencies involved in the
continuing regional development with a summary of the agreed development strategy
and a outline of the Action Plan that will deliver the benefits all Governments seek from
the Programme in the future.
These two purposes are closely linked—development of the region requires both the
commitment of Governments to an agreed, realistic cooperative development strategy and the
support of outside agencies and investors.
THE REGIONAL FOCUS
The geographical scope of the Tumen River Area Development Programme (TRADP) has
been defined more by the actual and potential economic linkages amongst participants than by
any strict geographical boundaries such as those of a river basin. As a result, TRADP has had
two levels of geographic focus—TREDA and its broader hinterland in North East Asia (NEA).
As will become evident from this report, the strategy for development refers both to the
narrowly defined TREDA and to the broader NEA hinterland. Nonetheless, TREDA is the
principal target area for development and is seen as the generating the basis for the regional
growth.
The major focus of TRADP has been on the development of the resources of TREDA which
has been defined to include all of the major growth centres in the local administration areas
adjacent to the Tumen River that forms part of the boundary between the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (DPRK), the People’s Republic of China (PRC or China) and the Russian
Federation (RF or Russia). These local administration areas comprise North Hamgyong
Province in DPRK, The Yanbian Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province in PRC and the
southern and central part of Primorsky Territory (or Krai) in RF. The growth centres within
these administrative areas comprise: The Rajin-Sonbong “Golden Triangle” and the port city of
Chongjin in DPRK; the Hunchun Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the cities of Yanji
and Longjing in PRC; The Nakhodka Free Economic Zone and the cities of Vostochny,
Ussuriyisk, Vladivostok and the Khasan district of Primorsky Krai.
The development of the resources in TREDA will draw on and be closely integrated with
development elsewhere in the broader region of North East Asia. This integration particularly
involves the eastern part of Mongolia which has strongly developing trade and economic
linkages with North East China and the Far East of Russia. Similarly, although for different
reasons, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) has growing economic linkages with TREDA
THE VISION AND GOALS
THE VISION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The Vision shared by the participating Governments is that the welfare of people in TREDA
and in its North East Asia hinterland will improve rapidly as a result of development of
infrastructure, industry and trade in forms that are ecologically and economically sustainable
and equitable. This development will provide benefits for all participants, including those
outside TREDA, and will be made possible through varying forms of cooperation amongst
participating governments.
More specifically, the Governments envision the future as one in which the people in the region
become part of a vibrant, rapidly developing region with closely integrated economies. The
sources of growth are expected to be twofold but inter-related: the expansion of industry and
trade as a result of increased investment and reduced impediments to trade; and the
expansion of transit trade as a result of improved transport capacity and access to new or
expanded eastern ports.
There are some important implications arising from this vision:
The Governments’ ultimate goal is to improve the welfare of the people in the region;
The Governments have agreed that development must be ecologically sustainable and
must not adversely impact on the environment which would reduce its capacity to
provide benefits for future generations—this means that development projects will need
to pass environmental impact assessments;
The development must be economically sustainable and so must be based on sound
economic analysis—the projects must pass the benefit-cost test using world prices;
Although the initial emphasis may be placed on the geographical region known as
TREDA, the effects of such development will be felt beneficially outside TREDA and
specifically in Mongolia and in the ROK. More generally, the beneficial effects will be
felt throughout North East Asia (NEA).
THE GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of participating Governments is to accelerate the rate of economic growth and
improvement in social welfare of the people in TREDA and therefore in North East Asia by
working individually and cooperatively (both bilaterally and multilaterally) to establish and
maintain a more attractive investment climate and by facilitating the growth of intra-regional
and transit trade whilst conserving the environmental values of the region.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
TREDA and its hinterland are particularly rich in a
wide range of resources. This resource base provides
a comparative advantage over other regions and will
prove to be one of the major attractions of the region
to potential investors. Although the region is rich in
resources, its Governments are conscious of the need
to manage those resources in a sustainable manner so
that they can provide benefits into the future.
This section briefly describes the resources available
in TREDA and the region overall and assesses their
strengths and weaknesses in comparison to those of
competing regions. It also outlines the environmental
considerations that Governments are likely to take into
account in planning for the future development of the
region.
INTRODUCTION
TREDA and its hinterland in NEA are resource rich in comparison with neighbouring
development zones. The Governments participating in TRADP are concerned that these
resources are used efficiently to provide the greatest possible long term benefit: and they have
agreed to cooperate in their utilization so as to ensure their sustainable and profitable use. The
strategy that Governments are adopting has two major considerations. First, it judges that the
resources would be used more efficiently and beneficially if the economies in the area were
more closely integrated. This would allow resource use to reflect comparative advantage.
Second, Governments judge that greater long term benefits would flow from these resources if
their use were subject to some common environmental guidelines. This would reduce any
adverse environmental impacts from development and avoid costly impact mitigation measures
in the future.
The sections below briefly outline the relevant considerations for the region’s resources from
these two perspectives of comparative advantage and environmental sustainability.
HUMAN RESOURCES
The current population of TREDA is estimated to be around 3.5 million. TREDA is defined here
as comprising: Yanbian Prefecture in China with 2,138,000 people; the part of Primorsky Krai
in Russia which is south of Artem but including Vladivostok, Nakhodka and Vostochny with
about 1,200,000 people; and the northern part of North Hamgyong Province in the DPRK with
140,000 people. The population of eastern Mongolia is some 137,000 and, within Mongolia, it
is these people that are likely to benefit most from future development of TREDA.
The rate of population and economic growth within any part of TREDA will depend on the
policies and resources that are in place in that part of the region. Based on information
currently available, it is likely that the population growth in the period to 2000 will be in excess
of 10% per annum in the growth zones such as Hunchun and Rajin-Sonbong and perhaps 5%
per annum for the more densely settled and more developed parts such as Nakhodka and
Khasansky.
Each of the Governments of the region has policies that support continued improvement in
education and health services and current levels of these services are adequate to provide a
basis for sustained economic growth in the region.
The occupational distribution of the workforce varies considerably within TREDA and it is
changing as the area develops. Agriculture provides employment for about one third of the
workforce in Yanbian Prefecture but less than 6% in Primorsky Krai although the fisheries are
major employers in coastal towns and cities.
The level of education, skills and incomes of the people of TREDA also varies considerably
throughout the area. A high proportion of workers in Primorsky Krai have received high levels
of technical training and there is generally a small but well-trained core of technically-skilled
workers available throughout the region. In those parts of the region where such skills are
more abundant, such as in Primorsky Krai, there is a comparative advantage for technology-
intensive production. There are relatively large numbers of unskilled labourers available in the
southern parts of TREDA and in eastern Mongolia. Wages for labourers are lower in these
areas than in the more developed areas of southern China and this provides the region with a
strong comparative advantage for labour-intensive manufacturing.
In summary, in comparison to other economic development zones in Asia, the workforce in
TREDA has a very strong comparative advantage in labour-intensive manufacture and
assembly but it also includes an unusually high level of technically-skilled operators.
LAND RESOURCES
The land resources of TREDA have been outlined in the Preliminary Environmental Study. A
high proportion of TREDA, certainly over half, is described as mountainous with the balance
being coastal plains or river valleys. Agriculture is concentrated on the flatter land and the river
valleys. The predominance of steep land coupled with a highly indented coastline provides
attractive scenery with high landscape values. It also results in potential concerns with soil
erosion and, when considered in association with the drainage patterns, gives rise to strong
environmental interactions between different parts of the region. Consequently, erosion or
pollution in the upper part of the area can have serious downstream effects, some of which
may occur across national borders. The Preliminary Environmental Study recommends that an
expert assessment of landscape values of the area is needed as one component of a regional
identification of appropriate land uses.
The land use within TREDA is not comprehensively documented. In Primorsky Krai, which has
the highest proportion of flatter land, the population is low and there is little land used for
agriculture. In the past it is understood that the southern part of the area was used for cattle
and rice production. There are several large scale fur farms and deer farms as well as several
small aquaculture operations in the Khasan district. Within Yanbian Prefecture, agricultural
land use is associated with the river valleys, predominately the Tumen but also its tributaries.
Generally only about 10 -12 % of the area is arable. There are reports of serious erosion
problems in some catchments said to be associated with the clearing of steep lands. Sediment
loads in the rivers are much higher than elsewhere in China. There is no information available
on land use within DPRK but it is likely that all available arable land is used intensively since it
is in relatively short supply.
Part of the area has been designated as parks or reserves of various kinds. Within TREDA in
Primorsky Krai, there are three reserves. The Kedrovaya Pad (18,000 ha) seeks to protects
several endangered species and to provide a representative sample of one of the main
Bioregions of North East Asia. The Barsoviy Zakaznik is a reserve used to build up and to
protect the world’s last population of Amur Leopards. The third reserve is the Far Eastern State
Marine Reserve (Dalnevostochny Reserve) which comprises three sections: an area along the
coast and the sea adjacent to the Gamova Peninsula which is a Total Protection Area
representing the ecosystems of Peter the Great Bay; an area along the coast and sea
adjacent to the Tumen River Wetlands which is designated as a Scientific Research Zone; and
a area around Popov Island in the North which includes the headquarters of the Reserve
management.
Within TREDA in Yanbian there are four nature reserves. The most significant is Laoyeling
Reserve which is adjacent to Primorsky Krai’s Barsoviy reserve and seeks to protect the
Siberian Tiger and the Amur Leopard. A major reserve is located outside TREDA to the south
to protect part of the Changbai Shan Biosphere Reserve.
Eastern Mongolia has vast resources of relatively fertile land (steppe) much of which is
currently unused. Most of the land is natural grassland with only small areas cropped. It was
reported that Mongolia has capacity for livestock population of some 5 - 6 million head
compared with a present population of some 2 million. Also, Mongolia is understood to have
some 270,000 ha of fertile crop land and there have been some investigations of commercial
rice production by a Japanese company.
WATER RESOURCES
Freshwater Resources
The freshwater resources associated with the Tumen River Basin have been studied
reasonably thoroughly as part of the TRADP. In terms of comparative advantage, it would
appear that TREDA is not well-endowed with water resources and that some areas within
TREDA such as southern Primorsky Krai may face water supply constraints. Cooperation
amongst the riparian countries could provide significant benefits both through possibilities for
sharing water supplies and, more importantly, through possibilities for reducing effects of
downstream pollution and stream erosion.
Parts of the area are reported to be flood-liable and there has been a suggestion of a need to
take greater account of this in determining land use in the low-lying areas.
Water quality is reported to be a problem both for domestic and industrial use in the lower
reaches of the Tumen River. It is also reported to have declined to such a level that the lower
reaches of the Tumen River are biologically dead in winter and its fisheries have been virtually
wiped out. Some studies report that 90% of the pollution in the Tumen River results from four
sources—an iron mine and three factories.
TREDA includes three linked areas of wetlands that are reported to provide internationally
significant refuge for wildlife: the wetlands adjacent to the Tumen around Jingxin in Yanbian
Prefecture; the coastal wetlands associated with the mouth of the Tumen; and the shallow
coastal waters in Posiet Bay and around offshore islands. These wetlands are reported to be
the most environmentally significant part of TREDA.
Marine Resources
The seas adjacent to TREDA are particular productive and fish products provide 75% of
Primorsky Krai’s exports and a large share of DPRK’s exports. Nearly all of the fish come from
offshore waters. Part of the high productivity of these offshore areas is the result of the mixing
of the warm northerly (‘Korean’) current with the cold nutrient-rich southerly (‘Primorsky’)
current. These conditions provide the fishing industries in Primorsky Krai and DPRK with a
comparative advantage in fisheries production. The long term productivity of these fisheries
depends on avoidance of over-fishing (resource management) and of pollution of the area.
Both aspects will require cooperation amongst the countries exploiting the resources and those
potentially contributing to pollution in the area. The inshore fisheries adjacent to TREDA are
understood to have been over-fished and will require good management to allow recovery to
take place.
In recognition of the importance of protecting the area, Russia established the Far East State
Marine Reserve in this area in 1978 and has created several zones within this 630 sq km area.
FORESTRY AND OTHER VEGETATION RESOURCES
The forest resources of TREDA and, more particularly those in the adjacent parts of the
Russian Far East (Khabarovsk and Amursk), are regarded as offering the basis of one of the
most promising sectors of industrial development in the region. The region has a comparative
advantage over other areas as a result of its proximity to the major markets of USA, Japan and
China. Russia’s Far East is regarded as one of the more important future world source of
supply of softwoods and although the supply area lies outside TREDA to the north and north-
east of Vladivostok there would be strong economic benefits within TREDA if these resources
were managed on a sustainable basis. Within TREDA, the forests have already been
selectively logged and future commercial production would require clear felling and the
establishment of plantations. The harvested low grade timber from the clear felling would be
used for pulpwood production.
Studies carried out as part of TRADP have identified a range of options for phased
development of the forest resources in association with sound environmental management.
The Preliminary Environmental Study reported that fires and logging have had heavy impact
on the vegetation in the Chinese and, to a lesser extent, in the Russian parts of TREDA. The
original coniferous forests have been replaced generally by deciduous forests of lesser value.
Logging practices have been poor. Although generally the natural (primary) forests are only
now found in mountainous areas, there are reported to be larger areas of remnant forests in
the Changbai Mountains to the south. The Changbai Shan Nature and Biosphere Reserve is
the largest remaining area of temperate forest in China.
TREDA is reported to be within a region which is regarded as a globally important reservoir of
bio-diversity and both China and Russia are currently developing bio-diversity action plans.
There are reports of there being some 1,200 economic wild plant species in the Tumen River
catchment.
MINERAL RESOURCES
The mineral resources within and adjacent to TREDA and Mongolia are extensive and there is
widespread interest in the region amongst major international mining and processing
companies. The economic potential of most of these resources have not been assessed and
there is a need to help facilitate such assessments as quickly as possible. Until this is done, it
is impossible to be definitive about the mineral potential and the comparative advantage that it
will provide to the region. However, it is clear that there will be increased exploitation of these
resources and this will help develop the region in three ways. First, it will generate a demand
for infrastructure improvements and help justify investment in these improvements. Second, it
will lead to increased export earnings. Third, it will help industrial development by providing raw
materials.
There are extensive mineral resources in Mongolia, of which currently only the Erdenet copper
reserves have been developed. The export of copper concentrates from this mine could be
important in the development of alternative trade routes from Mongolia east through China to
the TREDA region. These concentrates and other minerals could provide the "base load" for
alternative transport links from Mongolia through TREDA. Apart from copper, the mineral
potential in Mongolia includes: lead; zinc; silver; gold; selenium; tellurium and uranium. There
are six polymetal deposits (silver/lead/zinc) that have been surveyed near Choybalsan by
Japanese companies and US and Russian firms have shown interest in the uranium. There
are four extensive coal deposits and some oil reserves and several US companies are
prospecting for oil.
There are very extensive mineral reserves in Eastern Siberia. Exports of these minerals or
metal produced from these minerals are already a major part of throughput of the TREDA ports
and will continue to be important to the development of both rail and port facilities in Primorsky
Krai.
The quality iron ore reserves in DPRK, together with the coking coal reserves in Heilongjiang
and reserves of many key minerals necessary for the production of ferrous alloys already form
the basis of a significant ferrous metal industry in DPRK. They could provide the basis for an
expanded industry either within TREDA or on the periphery of TREDA which could be a
significant exporter in its own right as well as supporting the development of higher value
added manufacturing industry in the TREDA region.
TOURISM RESOURCES
TREDA has considerable potential as a tourist destination both for local and international
tourists. The major attractions of the region are its cultural richness, scenic beauty, ecological
diversity and interest and its scope for water sports. It has particular potential for the
development of eco-tourism given its unique bio-diversity and large numbers of rare plant and
animal species.
The mouth of the Tumen River has possibilities as a holiday resort, Yanbian Prefecture offers
interesting examples of Korean culture, the Rajin-Sonbong area has potential as a maritime
resort with mountain scenery and hot springs, and Primorsky Krai offers a beautiful coastal
area suited to a range of leisure activities as well as hunting, fishing and cultural interest. The
relatively warm waters of the southern part of Primorsky Krai including Posiet Bay make the
region attractive for water sports. Outside TREDA, Mongolia offers unique scenery, rare
animals and plants, interesting history and culture along with opportunities for fishing, hunting
and camping.
SECTORAL CAPABILITIES AND STRATEGIES
Balanced development of TREDA and its hinterland
including Mongolia requires that attention be given to
the formulation of strategies for each of the major
sectors of the economy. Governments have agreed to
develop such strategies in a co-operative manner to
ensure that best use is made of the resources and
potential of the region. The underlying theme for all
strategies is that they must build on the comparative
advantages of the region and help build a competitive
edge that will attract investment and sustainable
development to the region.
This section examines the capabilities of those sectors
with potential for development and outlines the
strategy that seems best suited to each sector. It takes
the perspective of comparative advantage to indicate
how TREDA might compete with other regions and
establish a competitive advantage.
THE SERVICES SECTOR
Successful development of trade and industry in TREDA will require ongoing improvements in
the services provided throughout the area. The participating Governments have made a strong
commitment to ensuring that the services available in the region are world class and that they
are provided efficiently and in response to demand. Under the TRADP, Governments have
participated in the formulation of indicative masterplans for infrastructure development and
telecommunications which are recognized as being of critical importance to the development of
the region. These masterplans have the full support of the Governments and have identified
priority actions based on assessments of likely future demand for the services. The
Governments have commenced work to prepare the way for external investment in these
projects by supporting designs and concepts that will avoid excessive and wasteful competition
and by indicating a willingness to make their own commitments of resources both to the
feasibility studies and to part of the investment requirements. Even more importantly, in order
to boost investor confidence and help to ensure profitability of the investments, Governments
have indicated a willingness to negotiate pricing and regulatory arrangements in relation to the
services to be provided.
The Transport Sector
The work carried out under TRADP has confirmed the assessment of Governments that the
current transport capacity in TREDA is inadequate to serve present demands and that future
expansion of trade and industry requires significant expansion in transport capacity.
Improvements in the transport sector are recognized as the most important step to accelerate
development in TREDA and eastern Mongolia. The participating Governments have agreed
that the broad transport sector strategy will be to progressively develop an integrated modern
transport network that has the capacity to meet two major transport tasks: to service the growth
of industry and trade within TREDA and between TREDA and its hinterland including North
East China and eastern Mongolia; and to capture part of the transit trade from North East
China and central and eastern Europe so that it can be re-directed to a number of expanded
TREDA ports serving as gateways to and from the Pacific Rim markets.
Sea Ports
The region has a significant comparative advantage over other development zones in that it is
strategically located in an area that can and already does provide gateways to the Pacific, and
that it already has a number of excellent ports with good prospects for expansion. In contrast
to the ports serving southern China, the TREDA ports are under-utilized now and they also can
be rapidly expanded to match the large increases expected in future demands. The initial
improvements in capacity are expected to require only minimal investment since they will result
from better management of the ports and their facilities. The broad threat that must be
carefully assessed is that the ports outside the area may develop faster and reduce the
volume that can be competitively handled through the TREDA ports. This makes it important
that the expansion plans for TREDA ports are realistic and that they are implemented in a
manner that leads to greater efficiency and lower handling costs. The broad strategy for the
TREDA ports that has been recommended as part of the Infrastructure Masterplan8 is as
follows:
Vostochny—servicing transport associated with its role as eastern terminal of the Trans
Siberian Railway and expecting expansion to handle more potash, oil and grain;
Nakhodka—servicing regional trades and expected to expand its oil handling capacity;
Vladivostok—servicing local industries and general export/import trades;
Zarubino—servicing part of the growing trade from within TREDA especially from
Yanbian and part of the diverted transit trade from NE China (especially Heilongjiang
and Jilin) and ultimately from Mongolia. (Development of the port at Zarubino will need
to include appropriate safeguards to protect the fragile and economically and
ecologically important marine ecosystems dependent on the Tumen River/Posiet Bay
wetlands);
Other Russian ports—expected to develop in response to demands and include
Sukhodol, Bolshoi Kamen, Chazhma near Dunai and Narva near Bezverkhovo;
Rajin—servicing part of the growing trade from within TREDA especially from Yanbian
and part of the diverted transit trade from NE China and ultimately from Mongolia;
Chongjin—servicing regional trades and part of the growing trade from the southern
part of Yanbian.
In order to build on the comparative advantage offered and turn this into a competitive
advantage for the transport sector, the key recommendations for short term action in the
Conceptual Infrastructure Masterplan are to:
use Inland Container Depots to allow transit through Russia and DPRK to China (and
ultimately to Mongolia);
continue development of the Zarubino and Rajin ports by planning for the
establishment of two PANAMAX container berths in each.
Railways
The railway network needed to serve TREDA and the transit trade is largely in place and thus
offers a comparative advantage to the region since it is the preferred transport mode for most
of the freight likely to be handled. The broad strategy for improvements within TREDA itself
should be to: complete the missing links in the network; to improve the integration of the
network by minimizing the need for gauge changes; and to improve capacity in the short term
through improvements in management of the network.
The key recommendations for short term action in the Conceptual Infrastructure Masterplan
are to:
complete the missing links i.e. Hunchun - Zarubino and Hunchun - Saebyol;
prepare market demand studies;
upgrade the network in TREDA eliminating the need for gauge changes where
possible;
review all operating alternatives to defer the need for capital investments.
As part of the broader strategy for infrastructure development in the North East Asia region
including TREDA, the Russian authorities at the Moscow Working Group Meeting stressed the
need to integrate the rail network within TREDA with that linking TREDA to NE China (Harbin-
Mudanjiang-Ussuriyisk and Harbin-Mudanjiang-Tumen). In addition, Russia has proposed that
railway improvements should also include reconstruction and augmentation of existing rail links
including: Ugolnaya-Vladivostok; Ugolnaya-Nakhodka; Ussuriyisk-Baranovskiy; Baranovskiy-
Makhalino; Baranovskiy-Amursk Bay; Makhalino-Khanka; and Ussuriyisk-Grodekovo. Russia
plans to: re-develop a number of stations and junctions; to build new stations (Ussuriyisk-
Sortirovochnaya and Kamyshovaya); and to augment the rail links to ports and border
crossings including: Sukhanovka-Zarubino; Yekaterinovka-Vostochny; Grodekovo-Suifenhe;
and Makhalino-Hunchun. Russia also plans to investigate the feasibility of new rail links
including: a By-pass of the city of Artem; and a section of rail linking the bridge at the
Razdolnaya River Mouth.
Mongolia’s development strategy is largely reliant on establishing improved rail links, initially to
the Chinese network and ultimately to the TREDA ports. The preferred link that is under
consideration by the Governments of both countries comprises a 470 km section linking
Choybalsan with Yirshi in China. The critical issue will be the economic viability of such a link
and this seems dependent on development of high value minerals that would justify such
expenditures.
China has also accorded a high priority to the investigation of the feasibility of linking its railway
network with Eastern Mongolia.
Roads and Highways
The roads and highway network within TREDA is limited and in poor condition and provides no
comparative advantage to the region in comparison with other areas. This argues against
TREDA attempting to develop industries that are dependent on good road networks i.e. those
needing to move goods or people quickly. The broad strategy recommended for the roads and
highway sector is to: give priority to roads that enable better use to be made of sea ports; link
the major cities to the major ports; and to introduce harmonized regulations for road design
and specifications of load limits etc.
The key recommendations for short term action in the Conceptual Infrastructure Masterplan
are to:
complete the primary highway network linking major cities and ports as soon as is
practical;
monitor traffic and forecast demand to assist future planning;
establish highway maintenance systems in each country.
The specific proposals for improvements proposed for inclusion in the Masterplan by Russia
include: Reconstruction of A-188 Artem-Nakhodka; M-60 Artem-Ussuriyisk; A-189
Raznolnoye-Border; A-184 Ussuriyisk-Pogranichniy; A-198 Pokrovka-Poltavka; M-60 by-pass
Artem-Nakhodka; connection of M-60 and A-189 with the bridge on Razdolnaya River; and
construction of Sedanka-De-Friza Peninsulat-Nadezhdinskaya road out of Vladivostok.
Air Transport
TREDA is currently served by three airports located at its periphery and although there is no
centrally located airport, all of the commercial centres within TREDA can be reached by road.
The location of TREDA straddling three national borders, the existence of "no-fly zones" and
the limited access to international airways raises some difficulties with air services to TREDA.
The broad strategy recommended for air transport is to: make best use of the existing facilities
in the short term by strategic improvements; to provide a mechanism for coordination of air
transport development in the region; and to conduct an air transportation study that would lead
to an overall development plan for the sector.
The key recommendations for short term action in the Conceptual Infrastructure Masterplan
are to:
complete the planned improvements to facilities and services at Vladivostok and Yanji
as soon as is practical;
establish a mechanism to coordinate air transport development;
prepare a Development Plan.
Russian authorities note that the international air cargo facility at Zolotaya Dolina will be
available to serve the Nakhodka Free Economic Zone and they have proposed heli-pads in
Vladivostok, Nakhodka, Zarubino and at border crossings Khasan-Tumen-Ula, Kraskino-
Hunchun, Poltavka-Dunnin, and Pogranichniy-Suifenhe.
The Power Sector
TREDA has abundant sources of energy in the form of coal and lignite as well as access to
good sites for hydro-electricity generation. It also is strategically located within reasonable
distance of extensive oil and gas deposits outside TREDA. However, although these attributes
indicate that TREDA has a comparative advantage in power generation, realization of these
advantages will require concerted action. The Governments are giving consideration to a
range of issues in this regard including: the efficient transmission of power between new
potential power sources and demand sites; the reduction of pollution associated with the use
of lignite; the negotiation of agreement on cross-border transmission; and the problems
associated with the different operating frequency used in DPRK. Governments recognize that
in order to realize the comparative advantage, they would need to capitalize on economies of
scale and build a few large regional plants, rather than smaller city-based generating plants.
This will also mean that Governments will need to tackle the issue of pricing and to site the
power station(s) in locations that provided energy at the lowest delivered cost.
Scope exists for a number of larger scale hydro-electricity stations in the Far East of Russia
including: Dalnerechensk (Primorsky Krai); Nizhenimansk of Urgalsk (Khabarovsk);
Bureisk/Nizhnebureisk and Dagmarskaya/Giluyskaya (Amurskaya). Investigations into the
feasibility of using these stations is warranted along with other options for improvement in
power supplies. Scope also exists for extension and reconstruction of thermal power stations
in Russia and China including: Partizanskaya; Artemovskaya; Ussuriyskaya and
Vladivostokskaya. There are also proposals for nuclear power stations including:
Dalnevostochnaya (Khabarovsk) and Primorskaya (Primorsky Krai).
The Telecommunications Sector
Telecommunications services in TREDA are currently limited but the Governments have been
investigating the scope for improvements under TRADP. These improvements are currently
being considered on a country-by-country basis.
In China, all improvements will be based on the existing public network which is currently being
expanded according to a longer term plan. Local networks are being developed in Hunchun
and a new area is scheduled for development near Wonjon bridge on the DPRK border. A joint
venture between Jilin Province and DPRK is establishing a fibre optic connection between
Hunchun-Wonjon-Sonbong-Rajin-Chongjin-Pyongyang. A radio link is expected to become
operational this year between Hunchun and Zarubino.
In Russia, there are plans to install a new international gateway-switch in Khabarovsk with
connections to Niigata in Japan, Moscow, and Harbin-Beijing in 1995. Agreement has been
reached for local networks connecting Vladivostok-Zarubino-Kraskino-Hunchun, however, the
timing and financing arrangements are still being determined.
In DPRK, except for the cross-border traffic with Jilin Province, all international
telecommunications is to be handled by the Pyongyang international gateway with satellite
links to Beijing, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The Telecommunication Masterplan has proposed a unified approach to the development of a
regulatory regime as a means to enhance TREDA’s competitive advantage over other
development areas. Governments are broadly supportive of this approach but it will be some
time before it could be implemented. The Masterplan has identified a number of measures that
need to be addressed to facilitate the rapid improvement in services. These include the
financing of improvements and the related question of cost recovery and tariffs. The
Governments are investigating these matters and although at this stage they are precluding
foreign investment in the public networks, scope may exist for other avenues for investment.
The Water Supply Sector
The total water available in TREDA is expected to be adequate to meet projected needs but
there may be a need to re-distribute the water to meet local needs. Overall, as mentioned
elsewhere, TREDA has no comparative advantage in water supply. The broad strategy
proposed in the Conceptual Infrastructure Masterplan is to carry out studies to assess the
feasibility of providing water and waste services to meet requirements as soon as these
requirements are defined. It is envisaged that the initial studies will need to be in development
areas including the coastal cities in Primorsky Krai. The studies proposed by Russia include: a
water reservoir on Tsukanovka River to supply Kraskino and Posiet; a reservoir on Gladkaya
River to supply Zarubino; a water intake in Pushinsk subterranean aquifer to supply
Vladivostok and Artem; development of the Vtoroluzhskiy hydrosystem to supply towns in the
Vladivostok agglomeration; and water from the Olga River to supply the Nakhodka Free
Economic Zone.
The Tourism Sector
TREDA and North East Asia have under-developed potential for tourism and the participating
Governments have been supporting efforts within their own countries to develop the potential
further. However, while much of the development will necessarily be planned and implemented
at an individual country level, there is considerable scope for cooperation amongst the
participating Governments to generate greater benefits from tourism. These benefits reflect
three factors: the opportunity that joint action offers in terms of environmental protection
especially with resources that extend over national borders; the greater marketing efficiency
that could be obtained through joint promotion; and the increased attractiveness of tourist
packages that make use of tourist services, resources and investments in several countries.
One element of the attraction of the region for tourists concerns its environmental values.
Given the fact that the environmental resources of the region are shared amongst the
countries and that what happens to the resource in one country affects other countries in the
region, Governments have recognized the need for collaboration amongst the countries to
ensure that the environmental values of interest to tourists are maintained.
Effective marketing is the most important part of the strategy for developing the tourist
potential of the region and each country plans to prepare a marketing programme as part of a
coordinated regional approach. The initial emphasis would be targeted on the East and
Southeast Asian tourists.
Development of tourism will require significant investment in facilities and services throughout
the area and Governments have acknowledged that it will prove easier to attract such
investment if it is clear that there is a degree of coordination in planning the expansion of the
facilities so that investors are able to generate adequate returns. Similarly, there is a major
need for training of staff and there is scope for cooperation in this field.
Other Business Services
Apart from the sub-sectors considered above, the tertiary or services sector also includes a
large range of services aimed at supporting business. This business services sub-sector has
not yet been carefully analyzed under TRADP but it is expected to have considerable
development potential. TREDA is the natural entry point to a huge hinterland in Eastern
Russia, North East China and Mongolia. As a geographical "gateway" to the region it has many
of the characteristics of Singapore as a gateway to South East Asia. Potentially TREDA,
especially the environs of Vladivostok, could serve a similar role as an agent and a principal for
the delivery of tertiary services to this region of North East Asia, in just the same way that
Singapore developed initially as a conduit for, and more recently as a principal for the supply
of, many tertiary services to South East Asia.
The potential for development of trade through TREDA has already received considerable
attention and this has focused attention on the needs for investment in the physical
infrastructure to handle this trade. However, in addition to the physical infrastructure, the range
of services that will be needed is considerable. These include a full range of financial services,
not only services connected with regional trade but with the flow of capital from developed
North East Asian Countries and other regions into Russia, China, Mongolia and DPRK. These
services will include not only currency services but insurance, broking and other financial inter-
mediation services which are now emerging in the region following development of modern
banking laws. There is also considerable scope for a wide range of marketing and market
information services to be provided both to domestic and foreign firms looking to tap the large
new markets of Russia and North East China.
There will also be a wide range of tertiary institutes and technology-based industries, based on
the educational and research institutions and human resources available in the region. Some
examples might include computer programming and support services, interpretation of satellite
images and interpretation of a wide range of geological data.
Governments have recognized that these business services are essential to the rapid growth
of the area and have taken the view that the growth of such services should not be restricted
by unnecessary licensing or other restrictions. As a result of the demand and the favourable
attitudes of Governments, there has been a rapid increase in the number of representative
offices being opened in the region. This is one indication of the substantial potential for the
development of the tertiary sector if it is allowed to develop competitively.
THE PRIMARY INDUSTRY SECTOR
This sector comprises a number of sub-sectors of which only forestry has been extensively
studied under TRADP. The results of the analysis of the Forest Sector are summarized below
along with some observations on the other Primary Industry Sub-sectors.
Forestry
The areas of Khabarovsk and north Primorsky Krai which are adjacent to TREDA have a
comparative advantage in timber production through access to productive timber growing
regions located relatively close to the major growth markets of Japan and China and, to a
lesser extent, the ROK and Taiwan. Parts of TREDA itself are also potentially well-suited for
timber production through plantations which could be established by re-planting low-grade
secondary forests. The availability of skilled, low-cost labour with experience in timber
harvesting in Russia’s Far East also provides some comparative advantage although it is likely
that future operations will be increasingly mechanized.
The broad strategy that has been proposed for the forest sector is to: secure long term (20 - 50
years) concessions to forests in Primorsky Krai or alternatively, in Khabarovsk; develop a
management plan to ensure that resources are used on an ecologically sustainable basis; and
to establish a phased industrial programme to establish processing facilities near ports and to
export wood chips and sawlogs in the first stage and to export sawn timber and plywood in the
second stage.
The TRADP report on “Project Development and Environmental Strategy for the Forest Sector”
sets out the projects and an environmental strategy in detail. It indicates the scope for
significant employment prospects and good long term returns provided that the industry is
established on the basis of world-best practices including long term environmental and
economic sustainability.
A companion document "Project Presentation Report" gives detailed information about 19
specific industrial projects that could be set up in TREDA. Significant portions of this document
have been incorporated into Report F in this publication.
Fisheries
The offshore fisheries accessed from the TREDA ports are reported to be the most productive
in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) and this resource base provides the region with a comparative
advantage in fish production. There have been no studies of the fisheries sector under TRADP
and no specific strategy has been formulated for the sector. Governments in the region have
been advised that some of the past practices may not be sustainable and they have been
encouraged to manage the fishery in a manner that allows sustainable harvests in future.
Suggestions have been made that there is scope for considerable improvement in the
marketing of fish and fish products based on the recognition of quality within the catch. The
need for marketing improvements is likely to generate significant investment opportunities for
suitably qualified companies: already there are a number of joint ventures being developed
with Vietnamese companies amongst others.
Mining
Whilst the mineral resources of TREDA are known to be extensive, the Governments
recognize that there is a need to carry out economic assessments of the potential before
further development plans can be finalized. Currently Mongolia is exporting copper
concentrates from the Erdenet mine in Northern Mongolia, and smaller quantities of uranium
from Dornod, as well as producing significant quantities of coal for local power generation.
Given the remoteness of Mongolia from world markets, the Government acknowledges that the
development of bulk minerals for export is problematical, though it is possible their
development for export to regional markets in North China or Siberia could be viable.
Eastern Mongolia, however, possesses some significant deposits of higher value minerals
including significant Silver/Lead/Zinc deposits containing reasonable grades of silver, tungsten
deposits and some gold (placer) deposits. The development of some of these deposits are
potentially more economically promising. Indeed the Japanese are currently carrying out a
feasibility study for the development of a high grade silver/lead/zinc deposit at Tsav near an
existing rail line which provides a link to the Trans-Siberian railway. This deposit has produced
assays of over 250 g/tonne of silver and good grades of lead and zinc.
The Government of Mongolia plans to link the major mining developments with the
development of rail infrastructure. Both existing rail links (the main north south link through
Ulaanbaatar linking the Trans Siberian Railway to China, and the separate link from the Trans-
Siberian south to Choybalsan are Russian Gauge. (1524 mm). The Government is
investigating the feasibility of establishing new links to the east through NE China.
Mining developments in Eastern Mongolia may well provide the justification for providing a rail
link from the existing Eren - Choybalsan line to China. This would link Eastern Mongolia
TREDA. This may need to be associated with some upgrading of sections of the line in
Northern China to provide a cost effective route for mineral exports. There are several
alternatives, but the all up cost including necessary upgrading in China is likely to be of the
order of half a billion dollars or more.
Given the importance of the mineral trade to the development of these links, Government is
seeking private sector investors interested in the mineral developments to participate in the rail
development. In the awarding of prospecting and development licenses, major mining groups
are being encouraged not only to investigate the geological potential but also to carry out
feasibility studies on the development of the rail infrastructure in Mongolia and China (or
Russia) to allow the economic development of these Mongolian resources.
The Governments involved are not only seeking private sector equity in the development of
such rail links, they are also considering joint approaches to the multilateral development
banks for the provision of official development assistance in association with private sector
partners. Planning for development of such links is being coordinated with the development of
mining activities to provide the economic justification for their development.
Agriculture
The agriculture sector in TREDA is dominated by the production in China which is in surplus to
local demand. In NE China the agriculture sector is accorded the highest priority as an engine
for growth by both the national and regional planning authorities. NE China accounts for
almost 35% of the nation’s maize production and 42% of its soybean output. The grain surplus
(maize, rice, other coarse grains and soybeans) is about 19 million tonnes although it still
needs to import some 3 million tonnes of wheat. This grain surplus is critically important to the
development of TREDA’s transport network because it is expected to provide part of the base
load for transport improvements. The World Bank is assisting China in developing improved
grain handling facilities in the region and in the southern ports. In addition, however, there is
scope for at least one third of the surplus to be shipped out through TREDA ports.
Assessments made by others indicate that this grain surplus will be sustained at least in the
medium term.
At present it would appear that NE China at least has a comparative advantage in grain
production and, given current investments in grain storage and handling, it seems likely that
the region will continue to have a comparative advantage in grain exports for some time. Just
how long will presumably depend on the rate of population growth and whether the present
levels of production are ecologically and economically sustainable. The World Bank has
projected that grain exports from NE China will be 40% greater in 2000 than they were in 1990.
Whether that comparative advantage can be translated into freight volumes for TREDA ports
will depend on the comparative costs of exporting grain south through Dalian. With massive
investments planned to improve efficiencies by converting to bulk handling on the main
southern line to Dalian, TREDA ports will need to offer bulk facilities to attract grain from the
Northeast.
Apart from grain, the NE of China also generates surpluses of vegetables and fruit that are
mainly traded with Primorsky Krai. Although we have no statistics for Primorsky Krai or North
Hamgyong Province, we understand that these areas have requirements for food imports.
THE SECONDARY INDUSTRY SECTOR
Resource-Based Heavy Industries
There is already an extensive heavy industry base in TREDA and in adjacent regions.
Although the existing industries are generally in need of investment, new technology and a
greater market orientation, the base for growth already exists. The heavy industries have an
important role to play in providing inputs and producer and intermediate goods for the "infant"
light industries. In recognizing this role, Government policies in all TREDA countries are
seeking to provide conditions that will encourage the appropriate re-vitalization and re-
development of the heavy industry sector.
In the past, Governments have imposed price controls on many of the products from heavy
industry with the result that resource allocation in this sector and other sectors of the economy
were distorted. Governments of all the countries within TREDA are addressing the need to
hasten the reform of markets within their domestic economies and each are developing
concrete plans and timetables to remove any remaining distortions.
Although sales within the domestic markets will continue to account for an important part of
output from these heavy industries, much of the future growth will depend on exports. Export
markets will include the domestic markets in the economies of the TREDA partners as well as
more distant markets in the NEA region. In order to serve these markets the enterprises are
seeking foreign joint venturers to inject technology and capital as well as to provide access to
(and information about) new markets. There is every indication that the current efforts of
Governments to provide the appropriate investment climate in TREDA will attract joint venture
partners from industries in Japan, Korea and Taiwan who are feeling the pressures on to
relocate to other countries.
Labour-Intensive Light Industries
The real strength of the TREDA region lies in its enormous potential for expansion of its
labour-intensive light industries. Although the light industry sector is still very limited within the
region, it is expanding rapidly, particularly in Yanbian. Experience in other regions of China
shows that the availability of low cost labour together with confidence by outsiders in the
investment climate will lead to an explosive growth in this sector in the TREDA region. The
region has an unusually well-trained and skilled labour force for a low wage cost region and
this makes it particularly attractive to light industry. Wages in both Yanbian and DPRK are low
even by comparison with other industrializing coastal regions of China. Wage rates in
Primorsky Krai are higher, but still low given the level of training and skills available.
The region also provides considerable industrial support for the basic assembly-oriented light
industries. This support will allow the diversification of light industry into more complex, higher-
value products far more rapidly than in newly-industrializing regions. These higher value-
adding industries would not normally develop in a newly-industrializing area until there was a
large agglomeration of light industry. The support comes from two features of the region.
Firstly, there is a large work force already experienced in industrial work, unlike many newly-
industrializing areas where the work force initially is almost entirely rural. In addition to the fact
that the workforce is already experienced, it is also more culturally adapted to industrial
development than workforces elsewhere. This cultural adaptation is the result of the high
proportion of workers with ties to the Korean culture which reduce concerns of cultural
problems when introducing new management techniques along with new production
technology.
Secondly, some of the associated industries needed by more specialized light industries are
already in existence, though in many cases they need modernization. For example the
electronics assembly industries is supported by extensive electronics design and chip
manufacture capabilities particularly in Primorsky Krai. The textile industry is supported by
considerable capability in the production of basic fibres, both cellulose based (rayon, viscose
etc.) and man-made (acrylics nylons etc.). Plastics and chemical industries like butyl rubber
production can also support more specialized light industries, and extensive experience
particularly in ferrous alloy production will allow light engineering manufacturers/assemblers to
move into higher quality value-added products more quickly.
These somewhat unusual capabilities provide the region with a comparative advantage over
other new regions because they will enable more rapid horizontal and vertical integration within
light industry in the region. Governments are tailoring their industrial development policies to
ensure that such integration is attractive through general support for improvements in the
business climate but also through specific measures to encourage modernization of supporting
heavy industries such as steel, chemicals, plastics etc. through joint ventures or other
technology transfer options.
High-Technology Industries
Whereas the first wave of development in the region will be largely focused on the labour-
intensive light industries, the second wave will involve the high-technology industries. Again,
TREDA has particular and unusual features that will enable the region to develop its high-
technology industries faster than other regions. The region includes parts of Primorsky Krai
and NE China that have a highly trained workforce and a history of emphasis on education and
research. This provides excellent potential for rapid growth of high-technology industry.
Governments recognize that such growth will only occur if they are successful in creating an
attractive business climate and they are therefore striving to do this quickly while at the same
time encouraging investment in the existing industries including the former defense industries
of Primorsky Krai.
The extensive high technology base in Primorsky Krai associated with the Russian defense
industry includes significant aeronautical, materials, electronics and machining skills. The
Russian Federation is already reviewing options for the conversion of many of these facilities
to civilian production. To do this they are seeking joint venture partners from countries
including ROK, Japan, Taiwan, US, and others who could introduce capital, civilian goods
technology and market access and combining these inputs with the technological skills in
Primorsky Krai and the light engineering/assembly skills in Yanbian and DPRK.
Governments are also planning to identify and subsequently remove any un-competitive
restrictions on technology transfer that may serve to discourage foreign direct investment in
these industries.
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
The participating countries have already made
substantial progress towards their common goal of
development through closer integration of their
economies based on mutual co-operation.
This section summarizes the recent achievements of
Governments and the private sector in setting the basis
for co-operation and in initiating the changes needed
to provide the foundations for long term growth.
THE STARTING POINT
In 1991, when the participating Governments met at a UNDP-sponsored meeting in
Ulaanbaatar to consider the concept of a Tumen River Area Development Program, the
economies of the participants were almost completely independent and there were no
procedures or venues available to start the process of opening up trade and other exchanges
between the countries. In the past, the relationships amongst the participants had been
defined by the political environment operating in each country and this environment
encouraged an inwards orientation for trade and development. What little trade there was
amongst the riparian countries was entirely based on barter arrangements. At that stage ROK
traded only with Japan, China traded mainly with Japan and USSR apart from small volumes
with DPRK, Mongolia traded only with the USSR, and DPRK traded mainly with USSR but also
with China and Japan.
The UNDP-sponsored Ulaanbaatar meeting led to a reconnaissance mission in 1991 that
recommended development of the area as a centre for global trade to and from North East
Asia. It also identified the likely infrastructure requirements for such development over the next
20 years in broad terms. This reconnaissance mission proposed that UNDP sponsor the
establishment of a regional commission and carry out a regional development study. Following
requests from the participating Governments at a meeting in Pyongyang, UNDP commenced
the TRADP and established the Programme Management Committee (PMC) which was the
first inter-governmental organization in NE Asia committed to economic and technical
cooperation.
Since that time there has been considerable progress both in reaching agreement on the
principles of cooperation for mutual benefit and in actual development on the ground.
THE MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Agreements in Principle
As a result of the meetings, discussions and joint planning exercises carried out under TRADP
Phase 1, the participating Governments have been able to reach agreements in principle on a
number of critical issues that will guide and greatly facilitate the future development of the
area. These agreements in principle are outlined briefly below.
Complementarity exists
There is an under-developed scope in resource complementarity in NE Asia and particularly in
TREDA with special opportunities to achieve greater benefits through inter-country
cooperation. In essence, each country recognizes and acknowledges that it would be better off
by cooperating than by going it alone.
Cooperation is to be based on common interests
The participating Governments agreed to cooperate to achieve mutual benefits, strengthen
economic and technical cooperation and to attain greater sustainable development for the
people of the TRA and Northeast Asia. The principles governing cooperation include mutual
respect for the sovereignty of each country, equality and good neighbourliness.
Institutional arrangements and International Agreements
The participating Governments have agreed on the need for appropriate institutional
arrangements and are in the process of defining those arrangements through International
Agreements. The institutions established would aim to maximize the attractiveness of TREDA
to the world investment community and would include professional management. One of the
institutions to be established would be a facilitating entity that would, amongst other functions,
support investment and trade promotion activities and help to organize the finance and
management of major infrastructure projects. The International Agreements would help
establish an agency or commission that would help to establish a coherent and facilitating
environment for trade development in Northeast Asia. It would provide a venue to reach
agreement on coordination and harmonization of trade policies and infrastructure
development. The participating countries have indicated a desire to consult and coordinate
actions in future on matters concerning telecommunications, transportation, trade and industry,
minerals and natural resources, environment and financing.
Integrating local initiatives
The content and strategies for development in TREDA will incorporate and integrate the plans
and strategies of the participants so that they will be compatible.
The Role of UNDP
Governments have sought the continued involvement of UNDP as a facilitator to assist and
encourage on-going development.
Geographic Definition
The area targeted for development includes the economic development zones that have been
established in each riparian country and is to be referred to as the Tumen River Economic
Development Area which is broadly defined as the triangle extending from Chongjin in DPRK
to Yanji in PRC and to Vostochny in RF. In addition, Governments have agreed that the
development will also extend to the hinterland of TREDA and in particular will impact on
eastern Mongolia. Thus, TREDA is not a strictly defined geographical zone comparable to the
free trade zones in East Asia. The intention rather is to foster a variety of economic activities,
or "growth poles", within reasonable reach of the Tumen River valley, through appropriate
infrastructure developments and enabling institutional arrangements. The latter would also
need to be accompanied by measures ensuring the protection of the physical environment.
The development of TREDA needs also to be seen in the context of economic pursuits in the
wider geographical area of North East Asia.
Progressive harmonization amongst zones
Rules, regulation and management of the zones will initially be national but the Governments
plan to progressively move towards harmonization of these arrangements.
Need for infrastructure improvements
Certain key infrastructure development projects need to be commenced prior to the
establishment of market demand as a means of improving the attractiveness of the area to
investors. This infrastructure may be developed as a national or cooperative multi-lateral
initiative.
Opportunities for investment should be maximized
The facilitating entity will ensure that well-prepared and coordinated feasibility studies are
made available to potential investors and the Governments plan to provide an attractive
“enabling environment” for investors by progressively harmonizing taxes, fees, licensing,
pricing policies, currency transactions and by liberalizing trade in services and goods.
Emphasis on environmentally sound and sustainable projects
The facilitating entity will help ensure that all projects are environmentally sound and
sustainable by conducting environmental impact assessments for all projects so as to ensure
longer term attractiveness for international investors. Environment Management Plans will be
integrated into implementation of all TRADP activities. Participants have also agreed to
develop recommendations to enable harmonization of key national, bilateral and multilateral
environmental laws and agreements.
Development strategy to focus on priority sectors
Light industries, agriculture, services, hydrocarbon, forestry and processing industries should
be priorities for short to medium term consideration. Longer term strategy may be to develop
heavy industries using environmentally advanced technologies to utilize the rich raw materials
and energy resources of NE Asia.
Planning Studies
In addition to the important agreements in principle that have been reached, the first phase of
TRADP has laid the groundwork for the development that is expected in the future. Part of this
effort has been directed to planning studies that have been carried out in conjunction with the
experts in each country. As a result of this joint planning and participation under UNDP’s
support, the studies have not only provided a sound basis for detailed feasibility studies in the
future, they have helped improve the level of cooperation and understanding amongst the
participating Governments, particularly at the operational level. The major studies are listed
below.
Programme Document for the Tumen River Area Development Programme (TRADP)
12/91;
Promotion of Industry in Tumen River Economic Development Area (TREDA): Industry
Sector Profile, Development Opportunities and Constraints. UNIDO June 1994;
Studies in Support of TRADP. (A compendium of studies carried out by KIEP and
KIET). KIEP May 1994;
A Regional Development Strategy for the Tumen River Economic Development Area.
Preliminary Draft Report. April 22, 1994. PDP Australia Pty Ltd.;
Informal Report of the Workshop on TREDA Regional Development Strategy;
Conceptual Infrastructure Masterplan for the Tumen River Economic Development Area
(TREDA). CPCS Ltd.;
Tumen River Area Development Project. Preliminary Environmental Study. Draft
Chinese Research Academy for Environmental Sciences. May 1994;
Water Resources Definitional Tasks. Peter Reiter. January, 1994;
Project Development and Environmental Strategy for the Forest Sector Jaakko Poyry
May 1994;
Business Opportunities in Forestry and Forest Industry Sector-Inception Study Jaakko
Poyry;
Pre-feasibility studies in Forestry and Forest Industries. Jaakko Poyry;
TRADP Tourism Study Draft Intermediary Report April 1994. Esko Koskinen, Esuko Oy;
Telecommunications Masterplan. Betelcom.
Implementation
The development on the ground in TREDA and its hinterland has been gathering pace over
the past three years. This development reflects the growing confidence of the private sector in
the region and the strong commitment that has been made by Governments to support
development. Some of the most obvious signs of development and growth are reported below.
Development of Economic Zones
Each of the three riparian countries have created special development zones within TREDA
and these zones are serving as focal points for development in DPRK and in Yanbian
Prefecture. In Primorsky Krai, although it has established a special zone, the planned
development extends well beyond the zone.
The Development Zones in DPRK
The focus of DPRK’s development efforts for TREDA is the Rajin-Sonbong “Golden Triangle”
Zone which was created in 1991. This area of 786 sq km has been designated as the Rajin-
Sonbong Free Economic and Trade Zone (RSFETZ). The nearby port of Chongjin has been
designated as a Free Trade Port. The initial allocation of land (621 sq km) formed a triangle
from Rajin port in the south to the mouth of the Tumen River in the north east and upstream on
the Tumen to Tumengang district in the north. An additional area of 125 sq km included the
land further upstream adjacent to river opposite the Jingxin Plain in China. The Government is
developing RSFETZ as a international cargo transit point and an export processing zone while
at the same time developing the tourism potential of the area. The RSFETZ now includes 59
factories which DPRK want to see modernized and upgraded via foreign investment.
Government completed its Masterplan for RSFETZ in March 1993 and has planned to develop
the zone in three phases. The first phase (1993-1995) aims to create a favourable investment
climate by enacting all necessary laws and regulations and by upgrading the existing
infrastructure including the railways, roads and ports. The second phase to the year 2000 aims
to promote investment into export-oriented manufacturing. The third phase to 2010 aims to
continue the process so that the zone becomes a centre for international trade, export
processing, financial services and tourism. There are nine designated “industrial parks” within
the RSFETZ and Government has recently placed priority on two of these.
The Development Zones in Yanbian Prefecture in China
China has indicated a desire for balanced development and has therefore made efforts to
accelerate development of the three provinces in NE China that were lagging behind the
strong growth elsewhere in the country. Government designated the city of Hunchun as one of
the first Open Border Cities and created the Hunchun Border Economic Cooperation Zone
(HBECZ) in 1992. Since that time it has invested heavily to attract investment to the area. Its
broad strategy is to commence development by creating an inland port city connected to the
East Sea (Sea of Japan) through transport corridors to the ports of Chongjin and Rajin in
DPRK and the port of Zarubino in Russia. It also plans to develop a river port at Fanchuan on
the Tumen River so as to re-establish the direct access to the East Sea (Sea of Japan) that it
enjoyed prior to 1938.
The HBECZ comprises an area of 88 sq km adjacent to the city of Hunchun and about 6 km
from the Sino-Russian border crossing at Changlingzi and 14 km from the Sino-DPRK border
crossing at Shatouzi. It is 63 km from Zarubino port and 93 km from Rajin port. The initial
development has involved a 2.28 sq km area within the HBECZ which includes: a bonded
warehouse; factories; administrative building; hospital; school; and some residential buildings.
The area is well serviced with roads, power supply, telecommunications, water, drainage and
heating supplies. Connections with the railway networks of Russia and DPRK are nearing
completion.
The development strategy for the HBECZ involves three broad phases. The first phase, which
is already well advanced, calls for the provision of infrastructure, energy and urban planning.
The second phase of actual development has also started and aims to make best use of local
resources while giving emphasis to export production. It was envisaged that initial emphasis
will be on labour-intensive manufacture with progressive movement towards technology-
intensive industries. In addition to the industrial development, China plans to promote tourism
and agriculture and to accelerate economic cooperation across the borders. The third phase
would lead to more high technology industries. The long term vision is that Hunchun would
emerge as the central industrial city of Jilin Province.
In addition to the HBECZ, the cities of Longjin and Yanji in Jilin Province, both of which are
considerably larger than Hunchun, have substantial plans for development of their areas.
These plans include closer linkages with DPRK, the attraction of foreign investment and some
important infrastructure developments including expansion of the airport at Yanji. The
development plans for these cities are considered to be supportive of the development at
HBECZ rather than competitive and it is clear that the Central Government places greatest
priority on HBECZ.
Already some 370 joint ventures have been approved with a total value of $400 million of
which some 48% is foreign direct investment. Investors from ROK have been most active and
have pledged some 43% of the investment to date. More than 77% of the investment is aimed
at manufacturing.
The Development Zones in Primorsky Krai in Russia
The concept of creating a special economic zone such as those of China had been under
discussion for many years in the Former Soviet Union but it was only in 1990 that a decision
was made to create the first two zones in Kaliningrad and at Nakhodka. The Nakhodka Free
Trade Economic Zone (NFTEZ) began operating in August 1991 and has an area of 4,580 sq
km and a population of 224,000. It includes the ports of Nakhodka and Vostochny and has so
far attracted some 230 enterprises including 110 foreign-owned and 97 joint ventures. The
strategy underpinning the NFTEZ is based on the promotion of trade by the opening of an
Asia-Pacific gateway. Consequently, the NFTEZ has concentrated its promotion efforts on its
transport potential to serve as part of a transport hub and on the exploitation of the resources
in its area and hinterland in particular, fish and seafood, timber, minerals and agricultural
products. The NFTEZ forms part of the northern section of Russia’s portion of TREDA. In
addition, there are a number of industrial centres including Vostochny, Ussuriyisk, Vladivostok
and the Khasan district of Primorsky Krai. The development plans call for a degree of balance
in the development of Primorsky Krai such that it would include development in the NFTEZ, in
and around Vladivostok and also in the southern district of Khasanskiy which extends from
near Vladivostok to the Tumen River.
Expansion of Trade
Trade in the region has already started to grow strongly as indicated in the figure below that
shows exports (X) and imports (I) out of and into Yanbian Prefecture in NE China from its
neighbouring countries. The total trade has grown from 129 Million Yuan in 1990 to 1,767
Million Yuan in 1992. Whilst such growth in trade reflects a variety of forces, it is clear that the
confidence of investors and business people has been boosted by the clear commitment of
participating Governments as evidenced by their involvement in TRADP. There have been
numerous positive measures taken by Governments to encourage trade. One example is the
opening of Chongjin Port to allow ROK flag carriers. Another is the decision to allow Chinese
construction workers to operate in Primorsky Krai under contract arrangements.
Chart indicating Growth of Trade in Region (Million of Yuan)
Specific Cooperative Projects
There are a number of projects already underway in TREDA that involve cooperation across
national borders. In addition, there are numerous projects that are at an advanced stage of
planning. These developments have been described in some detail in the UNIDO report
(RAS/92/01D) and are only briefly mentioned below.
The most advanced projects are those involving rail and road linkages between China and
Russia and China and DPRK. The China Northeast Asia Railway and Port Group Co. Limited
is a private sector joint venture company that has developed plans for extensive rail and road
developments in TREDA. Work is already well advanced on a railroad linking Hunchun in Jilin
Province in China to Kraskino in Primorsky Krai in Russia. This will then provide a direct
connection from the Russian port of Zarubino to the Chinese city of Hunchun. The same
company is at an advanced stage in reaching agreements with DPRK to link the rail system in
Jilin Province to the system in North Hamgyong Province at Xinyong. This latter link will
provide a direct connection from the DPRK port of Rajin to the Chinese city of Hunchun. The
company also has longer term plans to link the rail system in NE China with the system in
Eastern Mongolia. The development plans of this company include work on expanding and
modernizing port facilities in both Russia and DPRK.
Road links between China and DPRK are already being improved. Linkages from Yanji to
Longjin have been completed and connection to Sanhé (DPRK) is underway. On the DPRK
side, work is well advanced on a toll road to link Sanhé to Chongjin via Haeryong. This road is
being funded by the Yanbian Gonggyo Trading Company.
A dual highway road link from Hunchun to the Russian border at Chenglingze has already
been completed and work is proceeding on the Russian side to connect with Zarubino.
Port facilities are being improved in both Primorsky Krai and DPRK with the result that port
capacity is adequate to handle foreseeable cargoes for some years.
Border crossing facilities are being rapidly improved both in terms of physical facilities and
services. A new facility has been established at Chenglingze and some existing facilities will
soon be re-opened on the China-DPRK border.
Specific Commercial Developments
There have been growing numbers of commercial joint ventures between parties across the
national borders. The Russian company Dalso has established several operations in DPRK
and is involved in the upgrading of the Rajin port. At least four Sino-Russian joint ventures
have been established in Primorsky Krai and there are numerous joint ventures between ROK
firms and Chinese, Russian and DPRK enterprises. Although the trade is still small, there are
numerous tourist operators seeking to establish joint ventures in the region. These and many
other ventures are detailed in the UNIDO report.
HOW TREDA PLANS TO COMPETE
The participating countries or regions that comprise
TREDA and its hinterland have extensive resources
and their Governments have developed sectoral
strategies that seek to make best use of those
resources. However, in addition to the sectoral
strategies that are needed, each country or region has
sought to define the broader economy-wide strategies
that are needed to accelerate development by
attracting investment and facilitating trade. In the
process of preparing these individual country
strategies, they have recognized a high level of mutual
dependence. Many of the development objectives of
individual regions within the area are mutually
beneficial but require co-operation to succeed. Many
of the attractions of the area to outside investors are
reliant on a high degree of integration and co-
operation amongst the participating regions. In
summary, two points have become clear:
The ability of this area to compete with other potential
development areas depends very much on the
willingness of its Governments to co-operate to create
a competitive edge.
The mutual benefits that will come from co-operation
both bi-laterally and multi-laterally will be large.
This recognition has shifted the focus from efforts to
develop each part of the region separately to efforts to
develop it as a whole. As a consequence, Governments
have sought to identify the broad strategies that will be
appropriate for this task.
This section summarizes the broad strategic thrusts
that Governments have decided to take to enable
TREDA to compete successfully with other
development zones.
Growth Projections for TREDA
INTRODUCTION
TREDA has the potential to compete successfully with other trade development zones and to
capture a significant share of the foreign investment and industrial development and trade that
will follow. This potential arises as a result of several factors: the region’s resource base; the
sectoral strengths of the sub-regions comprising TREDA and those of Mongolia; and the
complementary capital and technology available from ROK and other countries including
Japan.
In order to realize that potential, Governments have recognized the need to take various
measures. Some of these measures are internal and are needed to improve the climate for
investment and for trade and industry development within each country. They will include
measures to ensure that development is ecologically and economically sustainable. Other
measures are external and are needed to enable the countries to cooperate more effectively to
facilitate trade and to protect their common environmental resources. All of the measures have
been carefully analyzed and have received high level endorsement and support. As will be
discussed later in this report, implementation arrangements for these measures will vary in
scope and timing amongst the participating Governments but the broad basis for agreement
has been reached.
This section outlines the broad measures discussed by Governments and indicates why
Governments have decided they are necessary. It also reveals the need to establish new multi-
national institutions so that these cooperative measures can be agreed and implemented.
The four key measures that the participating Governments have decided are needed to
establish a sustainable competitive position for TREDA and Mongolia are outlined below.
Taken together, these measures form the basis of the development strategy that will make it
possible to exploit the comparative advantage that the region offers.
The Broad Strategy
1. Create an "Enabling" Environment
2. Improve the Services Available in the Region
3. Facilitate Expansion of Trade
4. Attract Investment and new Technology and
Improve Access to Markets
The Governments believe that exploitation of combined comparative advantage of the region
will be the major force driving growth and development in TREDA and in the whole NE Asia
region. The opportunity arises because in the past the economies in the region (DPRK, Japan,
Mongolia, PRC, ROK and Russia) have been poorly integrated with the result that there has
been insufficient or inappropriate specialization of economic activity. This has been particularly
marked in the sub-regions within TREDA and in Mongolia. Business growth in all sub-regions
has been restricted by the limited access to the desired balance of capital, labour, production
inputs and markets within that sub-region. The Governments have decided that businesses
would grow faster, trade would expand and the welfare of the people would improve if steps
were taken to widen access to these factors of production and markets beyond the sub-region
to include the whole of the North East Asia region.
Governments have agreed that the key to tapping the potential for exploitation of comparative
advantage is to reduce the restrictions on trade amongst partners within the region. They
recognize that it will not be possible to remove the restrictions altogether because many of
them reflect national policies and cannot be removed just in one region. Similarly, they agree
that while it would be desirable if all countries could agree to act quickly and uniformly, in
practice it is neither likely nor necessary that the restrictions be removed immediately or even
simultaneously in all sub-regions.
The four measures or steps that comprise the broad development strategy are discussed
below. These measures require action to be taken by the participating Governments and by
the private sector to exploit the combined comparative advantage and to turn it into a
competitive advantage for the participating countries in the region. The Governments plan that
they should be carried out concurrently.
THE BROAD STRATEGY
First Step: Create an Enabling Environment
Governments in the region are in the process of creating an environment or business climate
that enables industry to develop, businesses to prosper and trade to expand. This environment
will also be one that encourages investment from both the private and public sector.
Governments have also indicated that the environment they want to create will lead to
improvement in the welfare of the population in the region and will not lead to loss of
environmental values.
There are three groups of measures that Governments are taking or plan to take to create the
enabling environment: They are starting to put in place the new regional institutions needed to
implement development; they are continuing to put in place the trade and other policies
needed to guide the development; and they are progressively reaching agreement on the
changes needed to their own national or local regulations to remove restrictions on
development.
Although it is clear that improved services are also a part of the enabling environment needed
to conduct business and to improve welfare, we have treated it as a separate measure to
make it clear that the provision of such services will not be solely the responsibility of
government.
The three areas that are the sole responsibility of Governments are outlined below.
Institutions
In order to carry out the functions needed to exploit the comparative advantage of the region,
Governments have agreed that they will need to establish new institutions and to modify the
functions of existing institutions. The nature of the new institutions and the changes needed to
existing institutions have been extensively discussed under TRADP and the draft agreements
for the international institutions have now been developed to the point that they are ready for
implementation after final high level approval by participating Governments. Now that these
international institutions are in virtually in place, it is expected that there will be rapid and
substantive progress made with cooperative multi-lateral measures.
Trade Policy
The participating Governments have been examining their own country’s trade policy to
identify how they can best support the expansion of trade in the TREDA and NE Asia region. It
now seems likely that all participating countries will align their trade policy with the GATT rules
which will mean that all parties will have compatible rules that will boost trade quickly and
sustainable. It is expected that further discussions amongst the countries on a bi-lateral basis
will clarify the implications of the national trade policy at the regional level and deal with the
important issues of border trade and the practicalities of streamlining transactions across the
borders. Governments are in the process of establishing the appropriate sub-committees to
accelerate these discussions and to sort out implementation details. UNDP has indicated that
Phase 2 of TRADP will assist the Governments to reach agreement and implement these
critical policies.
Regulations
Having established the appropriate policies, Governments have agreed to meet to identify
those regulations that are discouraging trade and investment at present. Subsequently, they
plan to negotiate changes in those regulations taking into account the varied concerns of all
parties as well as their common commitment to expanded trade and investment. Regulations
to control trade will be dealt with as part of the changes in trade policy. Regulations to control
the specification of goods used in trading contracts will be jointly discussed with the objective
of moving towards common standards for traded goods and services. Regulations to control
transport, including matters such as maximum axle loads and licensing arrangements, will be
the subject of discussions amongst local authorities in neighbouring sub-regions. Through
practical cooperative measures in these areas, Governments are confident that they will be
able to put in place a much improved business and trading environment.
Governments have agreed on the need to collaborate in reviewing the regulations needed to
implement national and regional environmental policies. Owing to the close proximity of the
sub-regions and the fact that activities in one region can have an impact on neighbouring sub-
regions, it was recognized as important that a mechanism was developed for discussing
environmental regulations and moving towards a degree of harmonization. In order to avoid
situations where industry may be attracted to regions with lax environmental controls only to
cause pollution in other areas, Governments are consulting to agree on procedures to limit and
control pollution. More generally, Governments are meeting to agree on measures to protect
their common environment—most of these measures will be internal but some will require
inter-governmental cooperation.
Second Step: Improve Services
With assistance from UNDP under the TRADP, Governments have been planning how to
improve the full range of services needed by business. By improving these services,
Governments expect to attract investment and new industries and ultimately this will lead to
improved welfare of the people in the region. Clearly all the services cannot be improved
simultaneously throughout the region but they are being improved progressively and cost-
effectively by ensuring that the improvements are in response to anticipated demand. The
basis for setting priorities for service improvement has been set out in the various sector
studies on Infrastructure, Telecommunications, Power and Water Supply.
Governments are seeking outside investment to supplement their own budgetary allocations to
improve services. In order to attract private investment or Official Development Assistance
(ODA), Governments are collaborating to demonstrate that the investments are technically,
socially, environmentally, financially and economically sound. Under Phase 2 of TRADP, it is
envisaged that further studies will be carried out as needed to demonstrate the feasibility of
the projects and to meet the particular requirements of the lending or investment agency.
In those projects involving more than one country and where public investment is
contemplated, or where there is to be a mix of public and private investment, Governments are
working to reach agreement on priorities in advance rather than competing with each other.
They have agreed to joint participation in feasibility studies of specific proposals or projects as
a means to determine priorities and to clarify their respective roles. This provides all parties
with an understanding of the needs of the investors and it will also indicate that some
rationalization will be needed to make sure that the returns on investment are reasonable and
competitive with what investors would expect to receive elsewhere.
Business Service Centres
The strategy that Governments plan to implement to provide business people with the "soft" or
supporting services they need to conduct business is to encourage these services to be
provided in a number of centres associated with the development. Services such as banking,
hotels, restaurants, secretarial and translation agencies, printing, business equipment servicing
etc. will expand in response to anticipated demand. This is expected to lead to the
development of a number of growth centres within the region. However, although it is
envisaged that growth will be distributed around a number of existing growth centres or poles,
the longer term spatial planning of the Governments is leaving scope for the development of
new growth centres within TREDA (an International City perhaps) should the demand arise in
the future.
Third Step: Facilitate Trade
The participating Governments believe that although both of the two preceding steps will help
build trade, there are some specific measures that need to be taken to boost trade more
rapidly. Even though ultimately trade depends on business decisions based on mutual
advantage, Governments recognize that they can assist expansion of trade in a number of
ways as was indicated in the UNIDO report "(TREDA) Industry Sector Profile, Development
Opportunities and Constraints". Governments are discussing three main measures as outlined
below and plan to establish a Trade Facilitation Group as part of the inter-governmental
institutional arrangements to advance these issues.
Streamline Customs and Visa Issue
Governments have indicated an intention to respond to the issues raised in the UNIDO report
and at the RDS Workshop in Beijing concerning customs and visa issue. Border crossing
procedures will be progressively simplified so that it is easier and less expensive to trade within
the region. Efforts will be made to negotiate arrangements that will permit people and goods to
transit to and from China and Mongolia through DPRK and Primorsky Krai with less difficulties
and cost. Governments plan to identify the changes that are needed and to start with the
simple measures such as standardization of custom forms and then to progress to more
complex measures such as the development of joint customs facilities and procedures.
Governments will also review visa issue procedures aiming to simplify and accelerate the
process so that genuine business people need not be delayed or discouraged from travelling
within the region. They have agreed that while it is not necessary that all countries have the
same procedures; all countries will strive to make it easier to travel in the region.
In order to implement such changes Governments are planning to establish a Working Group
to review customs and visa issue procedures and to recommend changes in Government
policies as needed.
Encourage Exchange of Information
Governments are planning to encourage the exchange of information in a variety of ways.
They recognize that trade amongst the sub-regions would be greater if there were greater
knowledge of the resources and markets available in neighbouring sub-regions. Interchange of
information will assist this process and would be further facilitated by reduced controls on visa
issue. Formal exchange programmes with universities, business organizations and local
government agencies are also under consideration since it is clear that there will be mutual
benefits if business people become better informed on the laws and regulations that govern
business in adjacent sub-regions. UNDP plans to assist this process as part of TRADP Phase
2.
Rationalize Pricing and Incentives
In most of the countries in the region there is still a number of goods and services whose
prices are determined by government actions. Trade between the sub-regions and with
international markets has been distorted in the past as a result and Governments acknowledge
that such trade will not be sustained if it is not based on real (market-determined) prices for
goods and services. Governments are therefore progressively examining the existing price
controls, quotas, and import or export restrictions with the intention to remove such distortions
as quickly as is practical. Barter trade is already being phased out in all countries and will be
terminated as soon as is practical.
In line with experience elsewhere in East Asia in particular, in those situations where
Governments choose to give incentives to particular industries or to exporters, they will
consider making them "contestable". They will also closely monitor their impact monitored so
that only the most efficient receive the incentives.
While recognizing that these are internal matters with little scope for cooperation, the
participating Governments will investigate whether it may be useful to have a forum to discuss
such issues. Such a forum would mean that each country can be aware of possible changes in
the pricing arrangements for goods and services in neighbouring sub-regions. A good example
of this relates to charges for transport—these are of major significance in determining the
feasibility of transport improvements that rely on freight from neighbouring sub-regions.
Step Four: Attract Investment and New Technology and Improve Market Access
Although the region has a comparative advantage as a result of its location, its resources and
its complementarities, it requires access to outside capital, technology and wider markets to
turn this into a competitive advantage. The participating Governments plan to cooperate to
improve access to such capital as indicated below.
Building Investor Confidence and Reducing Risks
Governments are already helping build the confidence of investors by providing tangible
evidence of their own commitment and confidence in further growth in the region. One element
of such efforts is the declared intention of Governments to make a joint commitment to the
International Agreements that have been proposed as a basis for implementation of the
TRADP. Those agreements will enable the establishment of an agency whose functions will
include investment promotion.
Another element is the willingness of Governments to commit funds to providing part of the
infrastructure and support services. All Governments have indicated their preparedness to
guarantee finance for a significant part of the priority investments.
Governments are also building investor confidence through their active participation in the
examination of the feasibility of joint projects and through their agreement on the roles and
responsibilities of all parties.
Beyond these Government initiatives, however, it is recognized that the most persuasive
argument from an investor’s perspective will be the proven performance of similar development
initiatives in the region. For this reason alone, the Governments have started to closely monitor
the development efforts of private groups and are assisting in whatever ways possible to
accelerate progress and to resolve problems, particularly in the early stages. UNDP will
continue to assist this effort under Phase 2 of TRADP.
Whereas the measures above are aimed directly at the investor’s confidence and his or her
perception of risk, there are various measures that Governments plan to take to actually
reduce the risks to outside investors. One measure might be that the Investment Promotion
Agency (in whatever form it takes under the International Agreement) might seek to persuade
countries within the region to provide some sort of insurance fund to protect the investments of
its own (private sector) nationals against political risk. It would be particularly helpful if
Governments such as those of ROK and Japan were willing to provide such protection to its
own companies investing in the region. Again the Phase 2 of TRADP will help Governments
investigate the need for and feasibility of such measures.
Investment promotion
Governments are taking steps to make it easier for investors to invest in TREDA. One of the
proposed measures will create TREDA Investment Promotion Centre (TIPC) which is planned
to comprise branches in Rajin, Hunchun and Vladivostok and local offices in Chongjin, Yanji
and Nakhodka or Zarubino. The TIPC will be assisted under Phase 2 of TRADP and will
streamline the process that investors need to go through to make investments in TREDA. It will
operate as a “one-stop shop” providing information on business opportunities and investment
regulations while also handling all aspects of the investment application and approval process.
The TIPC offices will provide facilities for potential investors including translation and
interpreters, facilities for meetings and seminars and will help arrange trade missions. In
addition, the TIPC will handle all investment promotion activities including regional advertising,
publication of investment guides and videos and trade missions.
Under Phase 2 of TRADP, the participating Governments will be assisted in making full use of
the various forms of assistance for investment promotion available from the relevant UN
agencies. In particular, Governments will be assisted in accessing the UNIDO support which
includes: investment monitoring; preparation of Industrial Development Reviews; identification
and preparation of investment projects; institutional support for investment promotion activities;
support for Investment Forums; and follow-up support to help finalize business negotiations. In
addition, if considered appropriate by the participating Governments and provided suitable
sources of funding are available, the second phase of TRADP will help in the conduct of
detailed investment opportunity and feasibility studies for high priority projects.
Facilitate Financing Arrangements
Development will require large amounts of capital: even with modest growth investment
requirements are likely to exceed US$5 billion in the period to 2000 and perhaps US$30 to 40
billion in the period 2000 to 2010. At least half of that investment is expected to come from the
private sector and Governments have therefore set out to attract such finance by establishing
a favourable climate for business as discussed previously. Governments have agreed to fund
part of the balance from within their own budget and they are identifying their own priorities so
that they can allocate their own resources to these projects. However, beyond those
contributions, Governments are also assisting in attracting other sources of finance in two
other ways.
First, they are helping attract Official Development Assistance (ODA). This will come in various
forms: as direct bi-lateral grants from other donors: as soft loans from agencies such as the
World Bank and the Asian Development Bank; and as equity or commercial loans from the
International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the private sector “window” of ADB. The key to
accessing such funds will be the preparation of comprehensive feasibility studies that meet the
lender’s requirements. Most ODA will only be provided on a bi-lateral basis and will therefore
only be accessible to those countries that have operating arrangements with the agencies
providing the finance. In addition, it will generally only be available for expenditures within the
country borrowing the funds.
Second, Governments are assisting by establishing the necessary implementing agencies as
part of the International Agreements for the implementation of TRADP. (Governments have not
yet determined the form of these agencies but are considering options ranging from a
Secretariat to a Development Corporation). The agencies will investigate the scope for linking
ODA so as to support investment in projects extending across national boundaries. It will also
need to seek funding from the major international commercial banks and sources of venture
capital. It is likely that these financial institutions will need to see some progress with other
projects before making any investments themselves. It is also possible that the agency could
help mobilize domestic savings into investments in the region.
THE COOPERATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
The previous section set out the broad strategy that
Governments have determined is most appropriate for
their future development. This strategy implies a level
of co-operation amongst the countries and sub-regions
in order to improve the competitive position of TREDA
and its hinterland.
This section examines the main options for co-
operation that are available to the participating
Governments in the North East Asia region generally
and in TREDA specifically. It concludes that the
participating Governments would each be better off if
a relationship were established amongst them that
allows them to co-operate on both a bi-lateral and a
multi-lateral basis according to the specific task or
objective being pursued. This relationship would still
leave scope for individual efforts to develop industry
and trade where no benefits could come from co-
operation.
INTRODUCTION
The Governments of DPRK, Mongolia, PRC, Russia and ROK have agreed that inter-regional
competitive development would severely limit growth in all countries and would mean that all
countries lose. It would lead to duplication of infrastructure, inefficient allocation of resources
and it would mean foregoing the benefits from the very significant resource complementarities
that exist in the region. Governments have therefore decided that it is not an option worth
considering.
However, Governments have considered a range of strategic options for inter-regional
cooperative development and these are outlined below.
Strategic Options for Inter-Regional Cooperative Development
The participating Governments have made a commitment to inter-regional cooperation in North
East Asia and in TREDA in particular. It was this commitment that brought them together for
the TRADP. In determining how they can cooperate most effectively, Governments have
considered three strategic options. The first is the geographical basis for cooperation—what
will constitute the boundaries of the region where cooperation is to take place? The second is
a management question—what forms of cooperation are desired, what agency will oversee
this cooperation and how will the cooperative measures be implemented? The third is a
political question—what agreement amongst Governments is needed to create this region and
allow it to function?
These three questions are discussed below.
What is the Geographical Basis for Cooperation?
Common Market
The most radical option would have been to create a common single market in which goods,
people and services could move freely. Given the relatively small size of the sub-regions in
relation to the economies they operated under, this idea could never be contemplated as a
practical option since it required the entire country to become part of the common market.
Free Trade Area or Single Special Economic Zone
In the early stages of planning consideration was given to creation of a single economic or free
trade zone referred to as the Tumen River Economic Zone or TREZ. This zone was to have
comprised land leased from the three riparian countries and was to have been managed by an
independent business corporation. The TREZ concept raised a large number of practical
problems and it was clear that it would delay development if these had to be solved before
implementation could start. The participating Governments through the Project Management
Committee (PMC) consequently decided to postpone further consideration of the concept while
not ruling it out as a future possibility.
Tumen River Economic Development Area (TREDA) with Mongolia and ROK
With the postponement of any further consideration of the TREZ concept, attention has shifted
to TREDA. It has been identified as the triangle of land contained between the cities of
Chongjin in DPRK, Yanji in China and Nakhodka/Vostochny in Russia. It can be defined as
comprising: the North Hamgyong Province of DPRK, the Yanbian Autonomous Korean
Prefecture of Jilin Province in NE China and the southern and central part of Primorsky Krai in
Russia. So defined, TREDA occupies some 75,000 sq km and supports a population of 3.5
million people. Each of the three riparian countries have created special development zones
within TREDA and these zones are envisaged as growth poles or focal points for development.
Although Mongolia is not riparian to the Tumen River and thus lies outside TREDA, the
concept that has been advanced in developing the Regional Development Strategy is that
Eastern Mongolia would form a fourth development growth pole within NE Asia.
Similarly, although ROK is not riparian to the Tumen River and thus lies outside TREDA, the
concept is that it would form the fifth development growth pole in NE Asia. This concept of the
geographical basis for development underlies the Regional Development Strategy and has
been accepted as the preferred basis by the participating Governments.
How Participants Plan to Cooperate?
The participating Governments have decided that they favour the idea of moving progressively
towards greater uniformity or harmonization of their business climates whilst recognizing each
country’s right to do things a little differently—a policy of "progressive harmonization with
mutual recognition". This option, in contrast to a more rapid form of harmonization, means
that the number of issues that need immediate attention on a multilateral or bilateral basis will
not be as great.
The multilateral issues are at the heart of the whole concept for development of the region.
Governments have agreed to put mechanisms in place to resolve any such issues so that the
goal of accelerated development for the region can be achieved. Foremost amongst these
issues that Governments plan to address through multi-lateral and bi-lateral action are the
following:
Streamlining of customs and visa issue;
Enabling bonded transit trade;
Rationalizing transport services and infrastructure;
Recognizing environmental inter-dependence;
Eliminating barter trade;
Providing joint or cross guarantees for joint projects;
Providing joint Governmental investment in multi-national projects;
Supporting joint efforts to promote the region;
Supporting joint efforts to attract ODA, private sector and other forms of investment.
The institutional arrangements that are needed to deal with these issues are now being
finalized by the participating Governments and UNDP. It is envisaged that there may need to
be a Commission comprising all participating Governments and a Committee consisting of
representatives of the riparian countries.
The Governments have agreed that the form of cooperation that is required and appropriate
will vary according to the particular purpose to be served. None of the Governments want to
see a situation where they are all obliged to sit down together to discuss every issue of
development in the region. However, all of the Governments want access to a venue or
procedure that will allow each to discuss issues that have implications for other participants.
Hence it is clear that there will be a range of issues that will be dealt with on a bilateral basis
and others that will be dealt with on a multi-lateral basis. The bilateral issues will be self-
identifying and need not be elaborated here. Mechanisms already exist for dealing with these
issues although they could be improved in various ways.
IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS- GOVERNMENTS’ PREFERRED
APPROACH
Having identified the potential benefits from joint
efforts to develop the region, the Governments have
shifted their attention to the means of implementing the
development strategy. They have considered a number
of alternative approaches and this section describes
their chosen approach to implement the development
strategy.
INTRODUCTION
The Governments participating in TRADP considered three alternative approaches to
cooperative development of TREDA and its hinterland. The first was a so-called Masterplan
approach which relied heavily on joint decisions by Governments concerning how the region
should develop. Its weakness was that it was not demand-driven and it would not be attractive
to outside investors. The second was a so-called Rapid Harmonization approach which
concentrated attention solely on establishing an attractive and uniform investment climate
throughout the region and then relied entirely on the market to determine what investments
were warranted. Its weakness was that it would be difficult to implement because it required all
Governments to simultaneously agree to identical conditions for investors, businesses and the
workforce. The third approach was a so-called Progressive Harmonization approach which
included the best aspects of the first two approaches. It is this approach that is preferred by
Governments and it is outlined below.
THE PROGRESSIVE HARMONIZATION APPROACH
General Principles
The approach that the Governments prefer is a hybrid which builds on the best aspects of the
two main alternatives: it focuses on getting the business environment right to encourage trade
and investment but it also provides for a degree of planning and control when it comes to
infrastructure development.
In relation to trade and investment, the approach recognizes both the longer term benefits of
harmonization of the investment climate as well as the implementation difficulties of achieving
harmonization quickly. It aims to move towards a "harmonized" business environment
throughout the region at a pace that is acceptable to all Governments but it accepts that some
countries or sub-regions will "harmonize" more rapidly than others. Hence, while it will lead to
"balanced" development over time, in the short run it accepts that development and resource
allocation will reflect both comparative advantage and the attractiveness of the business
climate in any one location.
In relation to infrastructure development, the approach would provide an indicative plan
coupled with procedures to encourage joint planning and joint financing of shared
infrastructure.
Requirements for Successful Implementation
Under a progressive harmonization approach, the requirements would be flexible. In the trade
and investment area, Governments plan to develop a basic statement of intent and a broad
timetable for major reforms, however, it would not be unreasonable for this timetable to extend
up to 10 years for some of the more far-reaching or contentious changes to the investment
and business climate. The Governments recognize that progressive harmonization of the
business climate will require on-going consultation and review of policies for development,
environment protection, trade, industry and investment. They plan to carefully monitor and
actively encourage this process since they recognize that without a single plan or a
comprehensive near-term timetable, there is a risk that progress will be slow. Governments
plan to establish an institution operating as part of or under the Commission and/or the
Committee with the mandate to negotiate the harmonization process and to monitor its
implementation.
In the case of infrastructure development, Governments have agreed that the indicative or
conceptual masterplans that were prepared under Phase 1 of TRADP would serve as the
basis or starting point for development planning but they are to be progressively refined and
the timeframe for the plan will be progressively extended. In the early years, the plan will deal
only with immediate issues—projects already nearing implementation and policies that are
needed to guide future planning. Subsequently, the planning would move on to medium- and
longer-term regional issues. Another critical feature of the approach to infrastructure planning
is that it should be based on joint participation in planning studies by all involved.
Advantages
The major advantage of this approach is that it can be quickly initiated and its implementation
would not require difficult negotiations nor high costs. It would be based on the principle of
“mutual recognition” that has guided much of the development of the European Common
Market. By avoiding setting of absolute priorities and by concentrating on doing the easier
things first, this approach would minimize political difficulties and provide early benefits. Since
it will be based on practical outcomes, it is expected to receive support from business as well
as diverting attention away from the political consequences of change. Over time it will enable
greater exploitation of comparative advantages and greater integration of economies than
continuation of the present competitive situation. This will mean that actual improvements in
welfare, trade and investment will be quickly realized.
INDICATIVE BENEFITS
The participating Governments expect that
development of the region will provide direct and
indirect benefits which will lead to improved welfare of
the people. The direct benefits will take the form of
expanded employment opportunities and increased
productivity and earnings. The indirect benefits will
flow from the improved services that will become
available both to business operators and private
citizens.
The magnitude of the benefits will depend on the speed
with which Governments are able to act to establish an
attractive investment and business climate since this in
turn will determine the likely rate of investment in the
region.
It is expected that investment in the region will total at
least US $34 billion over the period to 2010 and that
the Gross Regional Domestic Product would grow at a
rate of 8 to 16% per year. This would mean that per
capita GDP would increase almost threefold over the
period.
THE BENEFITS EXPECTED
The benefits that are expected to flow from the development of TREDA and its hinterland will
take many forms but all will lead to an improvement in the welfare of the people in the region
as well as an improvement in the competitiveness of the region. It is expected that the foreign
direct investment into the region will increase dramatically generating new jobs and increasing
outputs. The infrastructure throughout TREDA and its hinterland will be progressively improved
providing benefits not only to the businesses that will use them but also to the general
population in the area. The improvements in road, rail and port facilities will mean better
transport services and lower transport costs for business users but the public at large will also
benefit from the improved services. The expansion of the telecommunications network and the
introduction of new services will vastly improve the ability of people in the region to
communicate with each other and with those outside the region.
Preliminary estimates suggest that the combined regional economies might grow at around 8%
per year up to 2000 and 16% annually for the period 2000 - 2010 even with relatively modest
growth assumptions. With an investment capital to incremental output ratio of 2.5, this would
generate an investment requirement of at least $6 billion in the period to 2000 and a further
$28 billion in the decade to 2010. With these growth performances it could be expected that
the average per capita incomes in TREDA could almost triple from around $1,300 at present to
$3,600 by 2010.
It is possible that the region could grow much faster than this if Governments were able to
quickly bring about the improvements in investment climate and attract investment for
infrastructure and industry. Growth rates as high as 20% per year could be achieved if it were
possible to attract around $17 billion in total investment by the year 2000. Assuming a more
conservative investment capital to output ratio of 3, such investment levels could lead to a
doubling of GDP per capita by the year 2000.
It is clear that the level of growth will be largely dependent on the investment that can be
attracted to the region from both the public sector and the private sector. Governments have
already agreed to the principle of joint investment in the major infrastructure projects and will
provide clear indications of budgetary allocations as soon as final Governmental approval is
given to the institutional arrangements for on-going support of TRADP.
In addition to this financial benefit, there are other benefits that are expected such as
improvements in welfare and conservation of environmental attributes of the region. These
benefits are obviously of extreme importance but they are very difficult to assess and almost
impossible to quantify.
The Growth Projections for TREDA shown below represent conservative estimates of likely
performance.
TABLES 1 & 2
SUMMARY AND ACTION PLAN
This section is presented as a summary of the report
and includes a re-statement of the specific action
planned by the participating Governments.
THE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Tumen River Economic Development Area (TREDA) and its hinterland in North East Asia
has an enormous development potential. This potential reflects the region’s strong resource
base and its favourable geographical position providing the opportunity to link the region’s
productive capacity to growing markets through a new gateway to the Pacific Rim. In the past,
development was limited by the political, economic and physical barriers that separated the
countries and the people of the region. This is now changing rapidly. The Governments have
already commenced the process of removing those barriers and development is gathering
pace. By collaborating in TRADP they have created an opportunity to accelerate the
development process by working cooperatively to continue to remove the barriers and to make
full use of the region’s resource potential.
THE CHOSEN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
The five Governments participating in TRADP have agreed that development in TREDA and
NE Asia should be based on an economically and ecologically sustainable exploitation of the
combined comparative advantages of the region. This will lead to much closer integration of
the economies in the region and will generate economic and social benefits through
specialization and economies of scale. It will also enable additional benefits to be gained in the
region through the capture of transit trade and through joint action to protect the environment.
The Governments have agreed on a broad strategy to achieve this development as indicated
in the box below.
The strategy is to collaborate and co-operate both bi-
laterally and multi-laterally to create a social and
business climate throughout the region that
encourages economically and environmentally
sustainable development and facilitates trade as a
means to improving the welfare of the people in the
region.
To implement this strategy Governments have agreed to continue efforts to remove the
remaining barriers to trade and to reduce the risks perceived by potential investors. They are
encouraging their local administrators to cooperate with counterparts across national borders
to formulate plans that enable sustainable management of the joint resources of the region.
THE AGREED APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION
The Governments have decided to create a favourable business and social climate in the
region through a process of "progressive harmonization" of the business and social climate
coupled with strategic (demand-driven) improvements to the infrastructure servicing the region.
The progressive harmonization aspect of this approach recognizes that whilst all Governments
are equally committed to the same goal, they may vary in the way and the pace they wish to
achieve it. For some Governments the policy changes needed are already underway, for
others they are just starting.
The strategic (demand-driven) approach to infrastructure improvement recognizes the fact that
transport services need to be improved progressively since Governments will need outside
investment and that can only be attracted on the basis of the return that each investment can
provide. The Governments plan to make significant improvements simply by making better use
of the existing infrastructure and removing critical bottlenecks. Such improvements will provide
a low-cost means to reduce the immediate transport constraints. Subsequently, Governments
plan to implement new projects to improve services as the demand for them increases.
The Governments’ agreed approach has two elements: trade and investment facilitation and
infrastructure development. In relation to trade and investment, the approach recognizes the
longer term benefits of harmonization as well as the implementation difficulties of achieving
harmonization quickly. It aims to move towards a "harmonized" business environment
throughout the region at a pace that is acceptable to all Governments but which recognizes
that some will “harmonize” more rapidly than others. Hence, while it will lead to "balanced"
development over time, in the short run Governments should accept that development and
resource allocation will reflect both comparative advantage and the attractiveness of the
business climate in any one location.
In relation to infrastructure development, the Governments are developing and reaching
agreement on indicative plans coupled with procedures that encourage joint planning and joint
financing of the shared infrastructure.
The following two sections provide an outline of the undertakings the Governments have made
to implement this broad strategy and to support sectoral development.
THE ACTION PLAN TO IMPLEMENT THE BROAD STRATEGY
Governments plan to implement the broad strategy by taking action to:
Create the desired "enabling" business and social climate or environment;
Improve the services available to businesses and to the people;
Facilitate the expansion of trade;
Attract new investment and technology and improve access to markets.
The proposed action is outlined below.
Creating the Enabling Environment
Government Commitment and Institutional Arrangements
The Governments are committed to a common and sound development strategy as indicated
by their actions in:
Agreeing to the strategy, the goal and to the vision for development and by designating
appropriate authority, responsibilities and budget to agencies to commence
implementation;
Reviewing the proposed International Agreements on the Commission and Committee,
agreeing on how they will function and be financed and by approving their
establishment;
Making a commitment to provide financial support for the phased establishment of an
implementing executive agency;
Designating appropriate people to continue to develop policy recommendations and
action plans for: Regional Development Strategy; Trade, Industry and Investment;
Environmental Planning; Infrastructure Planning; Telecommunications Planning; and
Tourism.
The Governments will be provided with some technical and/or financial assistance from
external agencies to assist them implement action on the last two items.
Environmental Planning
The Governments have a clear, common policy concerning environmental management in the
region and intend to negotiate with each other to ensure that development does not adversely
affect the environment and is environmentally sustainable. This is evident from Governments
action in:
Reviewing, modifying as agreed, and endorsing the "Memorandum of Understanding
on Environmental Priorities" (MOU) and reaching agreement on the appropriate
procedures and institutions to implement the agreed MOU including procedural and
financial provisions for on-going investigations, planning and monitoring of the
environment in the region;
Enabling the Riparian Governments to meet to reach agreement on the form, scope
and work plan for a Regional Environmental Management Plan as recommended in the
Preliminary Environmental Study.
The Governments will be provided with some technical and/or financial assistance from
external agencies to assist them implement action on these items.
Improving Services
Infrastructure Development
Investors, business people and the general public in the region need to have an improved
regional infrastructure providing services that are competitive with those available elsewhere.
Governments plan to obtain external investment to help fund infrastructure improvements. To
encourage such investment, Governments will make available thorough regional assessments
of needs and estimates of technical, economic, environmental, social and financial feasibility.
Governments will give priority to those projects that will give the highest returns to the region
overall. In the transport and telecommunications sectors, Governments are presently reaching
agreement on an indicative plan as a basis for setting priorities. In the power sector,
Governments are considering the scope for joint power generation.
The participating Governments are seeking to attract investors and thus improve services by:
Reviewing, modifying as agreed, and endorsing the recommendations in the
Conceptual Infrastructure Masterplan for TREDA;
Participating in and contributing to the studies needed to obtain additional finance for
the construction of TREDA infrastructure and inter-connections;
Determining their common policy to joint infrastructure development schemes such as a
joint power generation and distribution scheme and joint water supply schemes;
Reviewing and agreeing on preferred arrangements for telecommunications
development.
The Governments will be provided with some technical and/or financial assistance from
external agencies to assist them implement action on the last three items.
Facilitating Trade
The participating Governments are identifying those policies and regulations that are
discouraging trade and investment and have undertaken to negotiate with each other to agree
on changes in these regulations over an agreed time period.
They plan to implement these measure to expand trade by:
Establishing a Trade Facilitation Group to deal with trade issues.
Streamlining Customs and Visa Issue
The Governments are investigating opportunities to allow business people to travel freely in
the region and to send and receive goods and services across the borders with minimal effort,
cost and delay. They are also discussing the arrangements needed to facilitate bonded transit
corridors, joint customs, standardized inspection and documentation procedures and many
other such measures.
To help implement these measures, Governments are:
Establishing a Working Group to review customs and visa issue procedures and they
are negotiating simplified border crossing and visa issue procedures and a timetable for
their introduction.
Encouraging Exchange of Information
The participating Governments are seeking to increase the inter-change of information
amongst business groups and trade associations in the region. This action is based on the
judgement that trade within the region would be greater if there were greater knowledge of the
resources, markets and the laws and regulations that govern business in neighbouring sub-
regions.
Governments are committed to:
Encouraging the exchange of information concerning the resources and markets
available and the laws and regulations that govern business in neighbouring sub-
regions.
Rationalizing Pricing and Incentives
The Governments recognize that trade between the sub-regions and with international markets
will be distorted and will not be sustained if it is not based on real (market-determined) prices
for goods and services. Similarly, Governments are aware that trade can also be distorted and
the total value of trade reduced by incentive schemes if these are not carefully designed.
Governments are planning to establish a forum to discuss such issues so that each country is
aware of possible changes in the pricing arrangements for goods and services in neighbouring
sub-regions.
The Governments plan to progressively rationalize prices and to avoid negative impact of
incentive schemes by:
Removing price controls, quotas, and import or export restrictions and eliminating barter
trade as quickly as is practical;
Reviewing the impact of incentive schemes to particular industries or to exporters to
make these "contestable" and to ensure that only the most efficient receive the
incentives.
Attracting Investment and Technology and Improving Market Access
Although the region has a comparative advantage as a result of its position, its resources and
its complementarities, it requires access to outside capital, technology and wider markets to
turn this into a competitive advantage. Governments plan to assist efforts to access these
resources in three ways as indicated below.
Building Investor Confidence and Reducing Risks
Governments are committed to helping minimize investment risks to boost investor confidence.
Some of the risk may best be removed on an individual country basis; some will require bi-
lateral action; and others will require multi-lateral action. In this later area, the joint commitment
to the International Agreements will provide the foundation. It will also establish an agency
whose functions will include investment promotion and inter alia building of investor
confidence.
The participating Governments will further help build investor confidence by:
Committing their own funds to providing part of the infrastructure and support services;
Ensuring that representatives from the region are actively involved in the examination
of the feasibility of joint (multilateral and bilateral) projects and that they reach
agreement on the roles and responsibilities of all parties in the project;
Closely monitoring the development efforts of private groups and assisting in whatever
ways possible, particularly in the early stages. (The most persuasive argument from an
investor’s perspective will be the proven performance of similar development initiatives
in the region);
Investigating a range of other measures to reduce the risks to outside investors.
The Governments will be provided with some technical and/or financial assistance from
external agencies to assist them implement action on item 19.
Promoting Investment
Governments are taking steps to make it easier for investors to invest in TREDA. One of the
proposed measures will create TREDA Investment Promotion Centre (TIPC) which is planned
to comprise branches in Rajin, Hunchun and Vladivostok and local offices in Chongjin, Yanji
and Nakhodka or Zarubino. The TIPC will be assisted under Phase 2 of TRADP and will
streamline the process that investors need to go through to make investments in TREDA.
Under Phase 2 of TRADP, the participating Governments will be assisted in making full use of
the various forms of assistance for investment promotion available from the relevant UN
agencies, and in particular, from UNIDO.
Facilitating Financing Arrangements
Development will require large amounts of capital: even with modest growth we estimate that
investment requirements will exceed US$6 billion in the period to 2000 and perhaps US$30 to
40 billion in the period 2000 to 2010. The Governments plan that at least half of the investment
should come from the private sector. Governments accept the need to fund part of the balance
from within their own budgets, and to attract the rest from multilateral development banks and
bi-lateral donors. Governments will help attract these sources of finance by:
Undertaking to prepare comprehensive feasibility studies that meet the requirements of
the various potential lenders including Official Development Assistance (ODA)
agencies;
Directing the implementing agency established under the International Agreements for
the implementation of TRADP to investigate the scope for linking ODA so as to support
investment in projects extending across national boundaries.
ACTION REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE SECTOR STRATEGIES
In addition to action to implement the broad development strategy as outlined above, the
participating Governments plan to take action to encourage the development of those sectors
of their economies that offer actual or potential comparative advantages. In contrast to the
broad strategy, these actions will need to be taken by individual countries or regions, however,
their impact will be felt throughout the region to the benefit of all.
Primary Industry Development
The riparian Governments plan to foster the development of the forest sector by:
Reviewing the recommendations of the report on "Project Development and
Environmental Strategy for the Forest Sector" in relation to timber harvesting,
plantations and downstream processing and deciding the degree of integration of the
industry that they judge desirable between the three countries;
Reviewing and implementing as agreed the recommendations of the Environmental
and Forest Strategy in conjunction with decisions on environmental planning.
The Governments in the region plan to manage the fishery in a manner that allows sustainable
harvests. To develop the appropriate management plans.
Governments of RF and DPRK plan to discuss measures to protect the fisheries resources
and to examine scope for improved marketing.
Mining
Governments are encouraging private sector investors interested in the mineral developments
to participate in rail development throughout the region. They are also considering joint
approaches to the multilateral development banks for assistance with funding of transport links
in association with major private sector partners. Planning for development of such links will be
coordinated with the development of mining activities which provide the economic justification
for their development.
Secondary Industry Development
The participating Governments’ basic strategy for secondary industry will be to exploit the
comparative advantage that the region offers in terms of relatively low labour costs and good
access to raw materials. Government’s role in this strategy will be minimal and will concentrate
on getting the fundamentals right as outlined in the broad strategy. However, the few specific
actions that Governments are considering to assist the development of the sector are:
Encouraging modernization of supporting heavy industries such as steel, chemicals,
plastics etc. through joint ventures or other technology transfer options with the result
that labour-intensive light industries will have improved access to intermediate goods
and equipment;
Accelerating the reform of markets within their domestic economies for goods which are
still subject to significant price controls;
Progressively removing technology transfer restrictions that might inhibit the
development of high-technology industries.
Tertiary Sector Development
The tertiary sector has received relatively little attention to date but has considerable potential
for growth. Government’s role in assisting such growth will be minimal although there may be
some specific contributions that could be made to assist tourism, particularly by joint
promotional efforts. Overall, Governments will contribute by:
Avoiding excessive regulation of the industry and by helping promote foreign or
domestic firms planning to provide tertiary services into the region.
Indicative Benefits
The participating Governments anticipate that the regional GDP for TREDA will grow at an
average of 8% per year over the period to 2000 and perhaps at 16% in the decade to 2010
given the high level of commitment that Governments are making to the development of the
region. They anticipate that the proposed development strategy will enable them to conserve
the environmental values of the region and to provide the basis for sustainable long term
development.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ADB Asian Development Bank
DPRK Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
EC European Community
FDI Foreign Direct Investment
GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GEF Global Environment Fund
ICOR Investment Capital to Output Ratio
IFC International Finance Corporation
ITC International Trade Centre
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NEA North East Asia
ODA Official Development Assistance
PMC Programme Management Committee
PRC People’s Republic of China
RDS Regional Development Strategy
RF Russia Federation
ROK Republic of Korea
TRADP Tumen River Area Development Programme
TREDA Tumen River Economic Development Area
UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This Final Report is one of the products of an intensive effort involving a great many people.
The major contributors to the report have been the members of the National Teams who
participated in the Beijing Workshop and provided their valued inputs to the study at various
stages. The contributions made by the National Team representatives were outstanding and
went far beyond the written word because it was through those contributions that
understanding and cooperation amongst the participants continues to grow. Special mention is
warranted to those who participated in the field visit and workshop including Mesdames Liu
Jing Sheng of PRC and Hwang Ran of DPRK and to Messrs Ick Soo Kim of ROK, Vladimir
Stegniy and Ioury Kochevoi of Russian Federation. In addition to the contributions of the
National Teams, we benefited immensely from the time and effort made by other
representatives of Governments and private sector organizations who not only provided us
with as much information as was available but also extended a very generous level of
hospitality.
The Team received excellent support from the TRADP Secretariat, from the Office for Project
Services and from the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific. In addition, the support
provided by the Resident Representatives of UNDP were invaluable. Special mention needs to
be made of the support and assistance provided by Dr. Ian Davies, the Country Director for
UNIDO in China since without his detailed knowledge and field support it would have proved
very difficult to operate.
We also benefited greatly from the contributions of the various consultants both at the
Workshops and in the field.
On behalf of the members of the PDP Australia team we gratefully acknowledge the
outstanding assistance and cooperation provided and the warm hospitality extended to us.
G. B. Hayes
Team Leader
PDP Australia Pty Ltd
TABLES, CHARTS & GRAPHS
TABLE 1
Rajin-
Sonbong
Yanbian
South
Primorsky
Population (million)
2000
2010
0.32
0.84
2.87
3.85
1.43
2.33
Gross Value of
Output
per person (US $)
1994
2000
2010
400
710
1,400
640
1,140
2,240
2,760
3,100
5,060
Gross Value of
Output
(billion US $)
1994
2000
2010
0.06
0.23
1.17
1.40
3.26
8.61
3.30
4.44
11.80
TABLE 2
Rajin-
Sonbong
Yanbian
South
Primorsky
Population (million)
2000
2010
0.15
0.24
2.55
4.16
1.43
2.33
Gross Value of
Output
per person (US $)
1994
2000
2010
400
425
700
640
860
2,230
2,760
2,930
4,765
Gross Value of
Output
(billion US $)
1994
2000
2010
0.06
0.06
10.17
1.40
2.19
9.27
3.30
3.30
7.23
Chart indicating Growth of Trade in Region (Million of Yuan)