Asia

Japan

Fujisawa, Japan - This is one of the successful government-hosted open forums on the Internet. Their innovation is one column for government-led topics where they seek comments and a second for citizen-led discussion where the government agrees to participate only as time allows: http://net.community.city.fujisawa.kanagawa.jp/

Korea

The South Korean government has opened a citizen participation centre to compile policy proposals and personnel recommendations for president-elect Roh's cabinet. Internet users are expected to wield significant influence in drawing up policies of the Roh Moo-hyun administration. Ideas have come in via Internet, fax, mail and walk-in visit. It is the first time a South Korean government has established a direct link to the people, and the transition team says the public recommendations will be accorded due weight as decisions are made. The purpose of such moves is to democratize decision-making ["Internet opens channel for citizen? voice", JoongAng Daily National, 29 January 2003]