Release of the White Paper on International Economy and Trade 2017
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) released the 2017 version of its annual White Paper on International Economy and Trade, which was reported to the Cabinet on June 27, 2017.
In recent years, the global public has been voicing frustration over the trend of globalization against the backdrop of the widening economic gap within countries. In light of this trend, the White Paper provides the results of analyses that free trade is an engine that drives economic growth and that will contribute to filling the economic gaps, thereby reaffirming the importance of free trade.
Meanwhile, the White Paper highlights the fact that the earning power of global enterprises in Japan is still more vulnerable than those in Western countries and shows a shortage of investment in human resources that can contribute to creating innovation, as one of the causal factors for this situation.
Moreover, the White Paper stresses the importance of SMEs’ entry into global economic markets through the utilization of regional trading companies and e-commerce opportunities, as an approach to allow more people to enjoy the fruits brought about by globalization.
In light of these findings and opinions on future directions to be followed, METI will strive to advance the following policies.
• Promoting free, fair and high-level trade rules,
• Promoting the Connected Industries policy concept, which is Japan’s goal for encouraging a variety of industries to connect so as to create new added value, and
• Supporting SMEs in developing business overseas.
Press-release at the Ministry official web-site