Internship Report

The Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) is an intergovernmental cooperation mechanism in North-East Asia, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with a membership of five countries: China, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Since its creation in 1995, the Initiative has been a unique platform for economic cooperation, and has continuously contributed to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.

GTI serves as a catalyst in expanding policy dialogue amongst member states and in strengthening the fundamentals for economic growth in the region. For the more remote and less economically developed areas of the Tumen region, increased economic cooperation has proven to be an effective way to ensure better living standards. At the same time, the regional cooperation fostered by GTI member continues to be a vital building block for effective participation in world trade and capital markets, and moreover, helps to ensure energy security, improve basic infrastructure, develop tourism, and promote international environmental standards in the region.

UNDP helped launch the Tumen River Area Development Programme (TRADP) in 1991 to facilitate regional cooperation and promote economic development, investment opportunities, and environmental management in the Tumen River Area. In 1995, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation formally agreed to establish the Consultative Commission, composed of representatives of each member country to foster support for the development of North-East Asia and the Tumen River Economic Development Area.

Since then, the Programme has helped implement regional agreements between the area’s governments, resulting in the development of an interregional infrastructure, the promotion of trade, and a more business-friendly environment. The Programme has also served as a catalyst in expanding policy dialogue in North-East Asia by providing a forum for regular communication and cooperation amongst member states.

The Changchun Agreement, signed in 2005, validated TRADP’s direction and confirmed the desire for continued regional cooperation. The member states of TRADP agreed to extend the period of cooperation for ten more years and to take full ownership of the Programme through increased contribution of financial and human resources, with the continued support of UNDP. The result was TRADP’s successor, the Greater Tumen Initiative, which calls for continued regional interaction, more cooperative projects in the region, and intensifying efforts to involve the private sector in development issues.

Just as importantly, the Changchun Agreement heralded a geographical expansion, extending the boundaries from the Tumen River Area to the Greater Tumen Area. The expansion has brought not only fresh perspectives, new markets, and greater investment opportunities, but has also strengthened the cooperation that underpins regional security and development.

The GTI member states, by assessing regional development potential against human development needs, have identified four priority sectors of development for the Greater Tumen Region—energy, trade and investment, transportation, and tourism. The successful growth of these sectors will provide the region with a robust investment infrastructure and create a pro-poor growth oriented economic environment. Throughout these sectors, the member states have also committed to ensuring that environmental concerns and sustainability are key pillars of all development initiatives in the region.

Due to its rapid development in the Northeast Asia, the GTI is under transition from an associated UNDP programme to an independent inter-governmental organisation in the region. Hence, Mr. Peter Neumann, who used to the Legal Advisor of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), is invited to supervise the legal process of the transition of the GTI. My duty here in the office is to assist Mr. Neumann in drafting various documents, including Roadmap, Statute of New organisation, Strategic Partnership Agreement with UNDP, Transfer of Assets and Personnel Agreement, and Transmission Letters. In addition, I am involved in the multilateral meetings with various organisations, including UNDP China, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), Ministry of Commence of China, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Ministry of Strategy and Finance of Republic of Korea, and representatives from Mongolian Government and Russian Federation. Through the negotiation and contacting with them regarding the transition issues, I become to be skilful and experienced in the international relations and multi-national legal-solving strategy. 

The GTI programme is very promising in Northeast Asia development process. After the transition, the new organisation will be the platform for both Northeast Asia countries and private companies in the region. Besides, this region is one of the most rapid developing economic zones in the world. It will definitely attract other nations’ and private companies’ attention to invest in this area.

To sum up, I am very happy to be given the opportunity to be involved in this internship programme at UNDP Tumen Secretariat. I wish more people from Hong Kong could be involved for the development of Northeast Asia region and the Hong Kong community could benefit from its fast development.

The United Nations Development Programme-Peace and Development Foundation Internship Programme is a unique opportunity for Hong Kong students to gain experience working at an international organisation, and develop a better understanding of the United Nations and its work. Through this programme, interns will be exposed to UNDP's development activities, thematic priorities, and technical cooperation practices. The Internship Programme is also an opportunity for young people to apply their studies in a practical settings, and acquire skills for their career development.

Other Previous UNDP-PDF Interns:
- 2008 UNDP-PDF Interns
- 2007 UNDP-PDF Interns
- 2006 UNDP-PDF Interns

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