Chapter 8. Ports and Harbors that Support the "Age of Global Exchanges"

Section 1. Present Situations Surrounding Ports and Harbors and Future Policies

　 　 Japan has entered the "age of global exchanges". Personal exchanges beyond borders are common. Goods and information are being exchanged among nations, regions and individuals. The roles that ports and harbors are expected to play are now diversified and sophisticated. Under such circumstances, the Ministry formulated long-term policies for ports and harbors titled "Ports m the Age of Global Exchanges"' in June 1995. Based on the policies, the Ministry revised "Basic Directions on Port Development". It plans to carry out port administration based on the 9th Five-year Port Development Plan (FY1996-2000).