Chapter 8 Ports Making 2lst Century Life Bright and Affluent--Toward Increased Efficiency of Distribution and Improved Quality of People's Lives

Section 1 Promotion of Port and Harbour Development to Help Reduce Physical Distribution Costs

　 　 In port and harbor development, the Ministry of Transport, while ensuring priority-oriented investment and transparent projects, will promote the construction of international container terminals and domestic intermodal transport terminals at priority locations to help lower physical distribution costs (Figure 57).

Section 2 Promotion of Efficient Utilization of Ports and Harbours

　 　 In efforts to promote the efficient utilization of ports and harbours, the Ministry has been simplifying inbound and outbound clearance and introducing EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) systems for port and harbour procedures. It has also been trying to lower fees for port and harbour facilities (Figure 58).

Section 3 Creation of Port and Harbour Spaces Supporting Safe and Affluent Life

　 　 In efforts to create fresh and lively waterfront spaces, the Ministry has been promoting the development of eco-ports, waste disposal facilities and pleasure boat maintenance facilities. It has also been trying to develop quake-resistant ports and harbors.

Section 4 Creation of Safe and Friendly Coastal Spaces

　 　 The Ministry under its coastal development projects has been efficiently and effectively developing high-quality coastal conservation facilities that contribute to national land conservation and the improvement of people's living environment (Figure 59).