Chapter 8 Expansion of International Cooperation
1 Contributions to the International Community
Railways, ports and harbors, and airports, which play an important role in
flow of goods and people, are indispensable to the economic development of developing
countries. Viewed in this light, transport-related international cooperation occupies
a vital place in Japan's economic cooperation (Fig.
18). In recent years, Japan has aggressively responded to the diversifying
needs of cooperation on the part of developing nations by providing cooperation
not only in the development of new facilities but also in the modernization and
more efficient use of existing facilities, and in the administration and management
of facilities. In addition, Japan is furthering international cooperation in such
areas as tourism and meteorology (Teble
13).
In order to help the systematic development of international resorts in developing
countries in response to their request for economic cooperation to develop international
reguest in developing countries, the Ministry of Transport is currently promoting
"Holiday Village plan" This plan is aimed at providing overall cooperation through
full utilization of the working mechanism of Japan's economic cooperation (including
development studies and cooperation), and private funds and know-how). In view
of a succession of major traffic accidents in developing countries, the Ministry
is extending cooperation to formulate safety measures in transportation. Furthermore,
the Ministry is offering cooperation in the meteorological field in together with
international agencies concerned.
In order to carry out effective economic cooperation in the field of transportation,
the needs of developing countries should be carefully examined. In view of this,
the Ministry of Transport is vigorously promoting such activities as the extension
of positive support to project finding by private sector, invitations of key figures
from developing countries, exchanges of opinions through holding seminors and
symposiums. In addition, the Ministry is carrying out evaluations of the past
projects to examine the effectiveness of the cooperation extended, and help improve
future cooperation.
Positive contributions to the international community are an important task
that Japan must fulfill. In view of the vital role of the transport sector in
the economic and social development of developing nations, Japan must continue
to increase transport-related international cooperation for developing countries.
2 International Cooperation in Science and Technology
Japan, whose international status has been greatly enhanced in recent years,
is now being strongly called upon by many other countries to offer wide-ranging
international cooperation in science and technology.
Viewed in this light, the Ministry of Transport is now pushing forward with
international cooperation in science and technology in terms of exchanges of information
and specialists, and joint research, with respect to transport areas under its
jurisdiction.
