CHAPTER 2. TRANSPORTATION AND THE CHANGING WORLD ECONOMY
Japan's transportation volume makes up a large share of the world's total
transportation, reflecting the scale of the economy. It is necessary to endeavor
to contribute to international transportation in accordance with changes in
the Japanese economy.
Section 1. Improvement of international transportation service
1. Improvement of international transport network
For air transport, international aviation negotiations are underway to enable
international airline service through Kansai International Airport, which is
scheduled to open in September 1994. For maritime transport, activities in the
OECD and other international organizations are underway and bilateral maritime
transport policy adjustments with U.S. and EC are progressing based on a principle
of freedom of shipping.
2. Safety measures for international transportation
Safety measures for maritime transportation have been advanced through such
measures as the emergency proposal submitted to the IMO in February 1993 regarding
tanker safety and the escort that was provided for maritime transport of plutonium
from France to Japan.
Section 2. Political activities in response to the condition
of the international economy
International conferences on transport were attended by high-level government
officials, including Japan's Vice-Minister for International Affairs for the Ministry
of Transport and vice-minister-level officials from other countries. In March
1993, such a high-level conference was held with the EC.
The "Japan-U.S. Partnership Conference" covers such subjects as government
procurement, deregulation and technological cooperation in transport, and it was
deemed necessary to take appropriate measures.
With regard to the conference between Japan and the U.S. concerning the construction
sector, we will continue to attend in accordance with the basic principle of engaging
in open discussion, even though it is regarded as inappropriate to respond to
U.S. demands backed up by specific threats of sanctions.
The subject of technological cooperation on transport, discussed at the Japan-U.S.
Partnership conference, is regarded as an area for positive cooperation in the
future. With agreement by both parties on the rough shape of cooperative activities,
a conference is planned for attendance by expert personnel.
At the GATT Uruguay Round, negotiations on trade liberalization, progressing
toward settlement planned for the end of 1993, includes trade in services such
as aviation and maritime transport. Some countries are hesitant to liberalize
trade in services, but Japan will seek further liberalization of trade in such
services as maritime transportation.
A system for international standardization of specification and authentication
of automobile registration is progressing in accordance with the strategic report
provided at the time of the visit to Japan by former U.S. President Bush.
The subject of reducing subsidies for shipbuilding is under review by the
relevant ship-building committee of the OECD, and as one of the leading shipbuilding
countries, Japan is working toward settlement of a treaty.
Section 3. Contribution to international society
1. Achievement of international cooperation
Developing countries hold expectations that Japan, as a country which has
achieved a high level of transport technology development, will further international
technological cooperation. Japan's Ministry of Transport has provided guidelines
for cooperation with selected countries in appropriate sectors. Japan is also
making efforts to develop technologies appropriate to the conditions and economic
and technological features of aid-receiving countries so as to respond needs of
these countries adequately.
Also, the Ministry is participating in international cooperation in response
to changes in the international community. This cooperation includes participating
in cabinet-level talks within the APEC, accepting experts from the former USSR,
addressing problems of fluctuations in weather, cooperating on issues related
to ocean environments, and extending assistance in the area of environmental problems,
including prosecution of measures against transport-generated pollution.
2. International cooperation in science and technology
Transportation technology is an area in which international cooperation in
research may yield international benefits and may help resolve global environmental
problems. Based on bilateral agreements regarding cooperation in science and technology,
cooperative research and exchanges of experts are underway with 15 countries involving
103 subjects.
