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The Ministry for Transport appointed Vice-Minister for International Affairs
in July 1991, who will work to strengthen the implementation of international
transport policies. This step is aimed at strengthening Japan's international
position and ensuring that it makes an active contribution internationally in
the transport area.
(1) Strengthening of the International Transport Network
The Ministry proposes a higher level of expansion and construction of an
international transport network centered on Japan. This is aimed at activating
the international flow of both people and goods.
Air transport policies include a multiple national airline policy for Japanese
airlines operating internationally and the introduction of international routes
operating from regional airports.
Maritime transport policies are being adjusted in line with those of other
OECD and GATT countries and include cooperation in providing regular passenger
services to countries in surrounding regions.
(2) Harmony with International Society
A report was requested by the MOT, in June 1991, in relation to the US-Japan
Structural Impediments Initiative Talks, on information regarding infrastructure
dealing with imports, such as air and sea ports.
The MOT has undertaken to implement measures for the construction of air
and sea ports, in line with a new five-year plan based on this report.
In a Cabinet Decision taken in 1988, it was decided that the opportunity
should be given for participation by leading overseas firms in the Japanese
construction industry.
Measures have since been taken for participation by these firms in Major
Projects Arrangements (MPA) financed by the Japanese government. In negotiations
held last year concerning the conditions under which the MPA are to be implemented,
agreement was made for further easing access to overseas firms and an increase
in the number of projects covered by the MPA.
In the GATT Uruguay Round, in addition to trade in commodities which has
been dealt with until now, trade in services was also covered. An agreement
is now being drafted for further liberalization.
The Ministry of Transport is actively participating in negotiations, focusing
on sea and air transport. The Ministry is also promoting internationalization
of a system for standards and certification of vehicles, and participating in
the OECD Shipbuilding Subcommittee, for a reduction in government aid in the
shipbuilding sector.
(1) Contribution Towards Resolution of the Persian Gulf Crisis
On the occurrence of the Gulf Crisis, Japanese airline companies loaned
aircraft for refugee rescue and Japanese cargo lines were used for the shipment
of goods, in response to government requests. Japan also contributed oil fences
to Persian Gulf countries and dispatched with environment and oil pollution
experts to assist in polluted areas.
(2) Strengthening International Cooperation
Japan has a high level of technical expertise in the transport sector, and
developing countries have high expectations of Japan as a source of technical
knowhow.
The Ministry of Transport gives support to developing countries in line
with the needs of the individual country. Aid is given according to individual
country and sector along the lines of an aid direction, and is formulated based
on an aid plan and an environmental manual which consider projects from the
perspective of an ideal international environment.
Japan cooperates in response to changes in international society. It participates
in the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (APEC), and has dispatched
experts to the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
(3) Cooperation in International Scientific Technology
Transport-related technology such as aircraft safety, aircraft security
systems, and meteorological services are used worldwide. Results of technological
developments are reflected extensively in international standards and international
research is very significant in this area.
Japan has superior technological expertise in each of these areas and is
expected to make a big contribution internationally.
The Ministry of Transport has cooperated with 14 countries on 87 scientific
technology themes. Personnel have been exchanged and cooperative research has
been carried out within the framework of the Agreement for Bilateral Technological
Cooperation.
(4) Participation in International Exposition on Vessels and the Sea
Japan will participate in the international exposition on Vessels and the
Sea in Genova in Italy held over a period of three months from May 1992. The
event is the 500th memorial of the discovery of the Americas. Official participation,
centered on the Ministry of Transport, was decided in through a Cabinet Decision
in March 1991 and preparations are now underway.
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