Through its network of overseas offices located in seven major cities around the world, CLAIR actively assists Japanese local government in their overseas research and visits. Introducing sites to visit, making appointments with the appropriate contact persons, holding explanatory meetings and providing reference and information materials are only some of the services the overseas offices can offer. Besides, CLAIR provides up-to-date information to local authorities through its own overseas research activities.

Supporting Overseas Activities of Japanese Local Authorities     CLAIR supports the overseas research and study activities of Japanese local government personnel by introducing sites to visit, making appointments with the appropriate persons, holding explanatory meetings, and providing reference and information materials. CLAIR also gathers and presents information in response to individual requests from Japanese local authorities.     Support for Pioneering Local Internationalization Projects     In 1998, CLAIR began granting financial support to innovative projects contributing to local internationalization in Japan. Support is available for the activities of international exchange organizations in Japan, namely recognized local international exchange associations and the recently established private international exchange associations.     Collaboration with Local International Exchange Associations     CLAIR strengthens its network with key private organizations for international exchange located in prefectures and designated cities in order to promote local internationalization. These organizations are called “Recognized Local International Exchange Associations”.     Tracking Activities of International Organizations of Local Government     Through participation in various international organizations concerned with local government, such as United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific region (UCLG ASPAC), CLAIR gathers information on the activities of such bodies and provides this information to interested parties.

Copyright(C) 2003, CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations), Tokyo, Japan