Sapporo the backdrop for APEC Trade Ministers
In the aftermath of economic recession, discussions of trade are imbued with a distinct weightiness. That recovery is inextricable from trade has evolved from theory to fact and APEC members are determined to see that - this time around - economic growth is more balanced; the benefits of trade realised across all economies and strata.
Sapporo, mountains seeming to burst from its horizons and gardens punctuating its otherwise urban landscape, may seem to some an unlikely backdrop for trade meetings to be held in May and June. However, explains Chief of the APEC Japan 2010 MRT Hokkaido-Sapporo Executive Council, Mr. Takao Nagao, it is precisely its propensity for balance - modernity with tradition, urban but rustic - that makes Sapporo so unique. "The vigour of a city and tranquillity of nature," he says, "stand side by side."
Sapporo's natural amenities have not gone un-noticed: the city lends itself to outdoor living and sport. In 1972, Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics and in 2002, the city hosted games during the FIFA World Cup.
In the brusque lows of February, tourists flock to Sapporo for its renowned Snow Festival and in the balmy summer months, they return to witness the bloom of lilacs throughout the city.
Indeed, residents of Sapporo have mastered the art of living well, embracing that which nature provides. Japan is known as the origin of some of the world's longest living people and the Hokkaido prefecture is a prototype for Japan's typically healthy diet of fish and produce:
"In Hokkaido," says Mr. Nagao, "fishing and agricultural industries are thriving and we have an abundance of fresh seafood, vegetables and dairy products... Sapporo is well known as Japan's gourmet city and this is largely attributable to the variety and availability of indigenous foods."
Harmony between the people and environment - the urban structure amid a peaceful backdrop of nature - is no accident. Mr. Nagao attributes a sense of balance to "clever city planning."
As a locus for the meeting of APEC Trade Ministers, organisers refer to Sapporo as a "safe and tranquil international city" and note that meetings of the G8 and Pacific Islands Leaders have also been hosted in the Hokkaido prefecture.
Yet, such testaments are paired with homage to Hokkaido's healthy, outdoorsy feel. Indeed, Mr. Nagao insists that anyone visiting Sapporo should make the pilgrimage to Mt. Okura - the stage for the ski jump competition at the Winter Olympics:
"From its viewing lounge, one can witness both the marvels of nature and the city streetscapes."
By extension, the hard edges of economic planning are perhaps also more rounded in the context of Sapporo. APEC Trade Ministers recognise that a sound economy may come down to numbers, but a sustainable one demands balance, inclusiveness - and it is with this sentiment that trade ministers will consider regional growth.