Asian cities aim smart
2 Nov 2012 4:50 AM IST
Delegates from some 10 major Japanese and other Asian cities met today here to discuss energy-efficient "smart cities" utilising advanced environmental and information technology, in the first gathering of its kind.
At the event, called Smart City Week, scheduled to run until Friday, officials from cities including Yokohama, Bangkok and Yangon, as well as from the Asian Development Bank, are due to announce a joint statement calling for the promotion of smart cities in Asia later in the day.
"Many Asian cities are beset by problems arising from rapid urbanisation and population growth," said Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi in greeting the guests. "We want to strengthen mutual ties by sharing know-how needed to ensure sustainable development."
Yokohama, which is hosting the event in its Nishi Ward, is designated by the Japanese government as an eco-friendly city of the future because of its track record of international cooperation in the development of water systems technology and promotion of energy-saving housing.
At the event, called Smart City Week, scheduled to run until Friday, officials from cities including Yokohama, Bangkok and Yangon, as well as from the Asian Development Bank, are due to announce a joint statement calling for the promotion of smart cities in Asia later in the day.
"Many Asian cities are beset by problems arising from rapid urbanisation and population growth," said Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi in greeting the guests. "We want to strengthen mutual ties by sharing know-how needed to ensure sustainable development."
Yokohama, which is hosting the event in its Nishi Ward, is designated by the Japanese government as an eco-friendly city of the future because of its track record of international cooperation in the development of water systems technology and promotion of energy-saving housing.
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