http://www.meti.go.jp/english/ Website of METI Ministry of Economy. ja 2012-05-23T14:37:10+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0521_01.html For discussion toward preparation of an instrument on mercury, the "Asia-Pacific Meeting before the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Global Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury" was held from Tuesday, May 15 to Thursday, May 17, 2012, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.At this meeting, nations in the Asia-Pacific region exchanged their views on the draft text of the instrument on mercury and other issues, in advance of the "Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Global Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury" to be held in the end of June 2012. 2012-05-23T14:37:07+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0518_01.html In order to promote summer energy conservation measures from June to September, the Inter-Ministerial Liaison Council for the Promotion of Energy and Resource Conservation Measures was held and a decision was made regarding the "Summer Energy Conservation Measures." 2012-05-21T16:50:45+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0516_01.html The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), and the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC) will jointly hold a "Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Producers and Consumers Meeting" on September 19, 2012, with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). LNG producers and consumers inside and outside Japan will take part in this meeting and fully exchange their views on how they will be able to expand the LNG market while maintaining stability and transparency of the market. 2012-05-17T17:18:08+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0515_01.html Pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718, the Security Council's Sanction Committee designated three entities as being engaged in North Korea's nuclear-, other WMD- and ballistic missile development programs and thus being subject to asset freezing. In response to this action, Japan will take measures to freeze the assets of these entities. 2012-05-16T16:43:43+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0513_01.html The "Agreement among the Government of Japan, the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of the People's Republic of China for the Promotion, Facilitation and Protection of Investment (the Japan-China-Korea Trilateral Investment Agreement)" was signed today by Japan, China and Korea. 2012-05-16T16:43:11+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0512_01.html The Ninth Japan-China-Republic of Korea (ROK) Trilateral Economic & Trade Ministers' Meeting was held in Beijing, the People's Republic of China, on May 12. Mr. Yukio Edano, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, attended the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Chen Deming, Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, attended also by Mr. Bark Tae Ho, Minister for Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea. 2012-05-16T09:37:35+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0514_01.html To develop the Japanese service industry in China, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will present Japan booths at the First China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), to be held in Beijing, China, from May 28 to June 1, 2012.In addition, JETRO will hold a Japan day event which includes a symposium and other sessions in order for people to better understand Japan's high-quality services on May 30. 2012-05-15T16:44:31+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0511_01.html The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) hereby announces that it will start invitation of applicants for possible interns and others to take part in the "Dispatch of Interns through the Internship for METI Global Human Resources Development." Along with this invitation, all possible applicants are welcome to visit an explanatory meeting that METI will hold. 2012-05-14T16:48:34+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0510_01.html Yukio Edano, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, visited India and Kazakhstan from Sunday, April 29 to Thursday, May 3. 2012-05-14T16:48:14+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0509_02.html Changes Made to the Special Business Plan was approved today and hereby released. 2012-05-10T16:55:56+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0509_01.html A serious product accident has occurred in an electric heater imported by Composite Co. Ltd, causing the product to ignite.The cause of the accident is under investigation, but it is thought to be a defective connection between a cord from the main body and a crimping terminal of the terminal board to which the power supply cord is connected, which might have caused a spark, resulting in ignition.To prevent further accidents, Composite has today posted more information on its website and is sending notices to buyers of the product to let consumers know that it will inspect and repair the product free of charge.This accident was announced as a serious product accident on February 14, 2012, in accordance with Article 35 (1) of the Consumer Products Safety Act, which relates to accidents of unclear origin in products other than gas and oil appliances (Control No. A201100965).The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) would like to ask consumers who have purchased the product in question to have the product inspected or repaired free of charge in order to prevent any further accidents. 2012-05-10T16:55:30+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0508_01.html For discussion toward preparation of an instrument on mercury, the "Asia-Pacific Meeting before the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Global Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury" will be held from Tuesday, May 15 to Thursday, May 17, 2012, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At this meeting, nations in the Asia-Pacific region will exchange their views on the draft text of the instrument on mercury and other issues, in advance of the "Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Global Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury" to be held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, starting Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at which the same draft text will be discussed. 2012-05-08T17:36:04+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0507_01.html The Ninth Economic & Trade Ministers’ Meeting among Japan, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Korea will be held in Beijing, China on May 12. 2012-05-07T17:34:06+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0502_03.html The ASEAN Road Show took place in Japan from Wednesday, April 25 to Saturday, April 28, and the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) visited Japan for the Road Show. 2012-05-07T17:33:39+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0427_07.html The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency hereby releases the compiled report of measures for high-pressure gas facilities, etc. against earthquakes and tsunami, based on lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake, which has been compiled by the High Pressure Gas and Explosive Safety Committee of the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy. 2012-05-07T17:33:14+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0502_02.html Mr. Mitsuyoshi Yanagisawa, Senior Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry visited Qatar from Saturday, April 28 to Tuesday, May 1.In Qatar, Senior Vice Minister Yanagisawa attended a seminar about management techniques for water supply and sewage systems* and exchanged views with Mr. Al-Attiyah, President of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (corresponding to the Prime Minister in Japan), Dr. Al-Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, and Mr. Jassim, Minister of Business and Commerce. 2012-05-02T16:59:37+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0502_01.html Based on strict screening by external experts, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has determined the following successful applicant for the "Project Consigning Technology Development for Rational Use of Energy (Innovative Manufacturing Process Technology Development)" to be commenced in FY 2012. 2012-05-02T16:59:18+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0501_01.html The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) will jointly hold a forum titled "IT Agriculture Forum - Development of New Highly Profitable Agribusiness Created by IT -" on May 17, 2012. 2012-05-02T16:58:59+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0427_06.html The third Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM3) was held in the UK from April 25 to 26, 2012, and Seishu Makino, Senior Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), attended the meeting and talked with key ministers of member nations. 2012-05-01T16:31:45+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0427_05.html The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has revised the "Guidelines on Formulating and Implementing BCPs for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)" to facilitate and disseminate the formulation and implementation of business continuity plans (BCPs), and has created and added a new "introductory course" for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and small sized enterprise operators, that are attempting to introduce BCPs for the first time, in which the minimum required factors for continuing businesses are outlined.In accordance with the addition of the "introductory course", examples of formulating plans will also be prepared in four industries, (manufacturing, service and retail, transportation, food and lodging). 2012-05-01T16:31:21+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0427_04.html The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has selected 51 successful applicants out of 206 for the Innovation Center Establishment Assistance Program: “Subsidy for Advanced Technology Demonstration and Evaluation Facility Development (corporate demonstration/evaluation facility development or cultivation program).” 2012-05-01T15:54:35+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0427_03.html The 15th round of negotiations for the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was held in Canberra, Australia, from Monday, April 23 to Friday, April 27. 2012-05-01T15:54:18+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0427_02.html On April 27, 2012, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) approved Toho Titanium’s resources productivity innovation plan. 2012-05-01T15:53:43+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0426_05.html For the purpose of enhancement of the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and small-scale enterprises that face severe conditions, such as the decrease in domestic demand, competition with emerging countries, the Great East Japan Earthquake and the strong yen, the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency (SMEA) has started to call for applicants for a regional model project which contributes to enhancement of the management and vitality of SMEs and small-scale enterprises, in which innovative ideas mainly from young people and women in the region are used. 2012-05-01T15:53:28+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0427_01.html The Small and Medium Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry compiled reports titled “Trends among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in FY 2011” and “SME Policies in FY 2012” (“2011 White Paper on Small and Medium Enterprises in Japan”), which were approved by the Cabinet on April 27 and are hereby released. 2012-04-27T18:07:05+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0426_04.html The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has created the Commendation Program for Supporting Regional Industries, in which METI selects and awards efforts to achieve pioneering and specific results for creating new businesses and efforts that use regional resources and characteristics to revitalize and activate regional industries that face severe conditions. METI has selected a winner of the METI Minister Award and hereby released the effort of the winner. 2012-04-27T18:06:49+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0426_03.html Regarding the first public invitation on the FY 2012 “Global Warming Mitigation Technology Promotion Project,” the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has selected 15 successful applicants and their plans through a fair examination of the Examination Committee composed of outside experts, and METI hereby releases these applicants. 2012-04-27T18:06:20+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0426_02.html The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) conducted the “FY 2010 Field Survey of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Infringements in China” and hereby released the results. 2012-04-27T17:57:09+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0426_01.html The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry would like to release a report compiled by the Study Group on Publicity and Enlightenment of Creating a Peaceful and Reliable End-of-Life Stage (chaired by Mr. Yoshihiko Nakamura, Professor, Hosei University Law School). 2012-04-26T17:08:12+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0423_03.html The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) has established the Energy Unit today. The ERIA Energy Unit will take action to enhance energy partnerships in East Asia and improve energy security in the region. 2012-04-25T17:22:14+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0420_08.html A serious product accident has occurred in a notebook computer imported by Sotec Co., Ltd. (Currently Onkyo Digital Solutions Corporation), causing the product to catch fire.The cause of the accident is thought to be a defect in a battery cell in the battery pack built into the computer, which might have short circuited, resulting in smoke emission, fire outbreak and the battery exploding.To prevent further accidents, Onkyo Digital Solutions is posting more information on the website today to let consumers know that it will replace the battery packs free of charge or provide refunds for the cost of the battery packs.This accident was announced as a serious product accident on August 21, 2009, in accordance with Article 35(1) of the Consumer Products Safety Act, which relates to accidents of unclear origin in products other than gas and oil appliances (Control No. A200900398).The Ministry of Economy, Technology and Industry (METI) would like to ask consumers who possess the products in question to have their battery packs replaced for free or the cost of their battery packs refunded in order to prevent any further accidents. 2012-04-25T17:21:55+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0423_02.html The Government of Japan has been implementing asset-freezing measures against violators of the arms embargo against Somalia (10 individuals/one group) designated by the United Nations Security Council Resolution ("UN Resolution") 1844 and the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee's Resolutions 751 and 1907. Following the recent designation of additional one individual by the Sanctions Committee, the government will apply asset-freezing measures to them. 2012-04-24T17:35:19+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0423_01.html The Government of Japan has been implementing measures to freeze assets of Taliban-associated entities and other terrorists designated by the United Nations Security Council Sanctions Committee pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolutions ("UN Resolutions") 1267, 1333, 1390, 1988 and 1989. Following the Sanctions Committee's addition of 15 individuals and one group to the asset-freezing list, the government decided today to additionally impose the asset-freezing measures on them. Further, following the Committee's removal of three individuals and 23 groups from the list, the government decided to lift the measures against them. 2012-04-24T17:35:04+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0420_07.html Based on the final extension of the "Act concerning Temporary Measures to Facilitation Financing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME Financing Facilitation Act)", The Cabinet Office, Financial Services Agency, and Small and Medium Enterprise Agency have formulated the "Policy Package to Support Business of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) based on the final extension of the Act concerning Temporary Measures to Facilitate Financing for Small and Medium sized Enterprises". 2012-04-24T17:34:47+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0420_06.html On April 20, 2012, in light of the heavy burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to the coming increase in electricity rate, material prices, etc., the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency will issue a written request to about 22,000 subcontracting entrepreneurs in Japan to observe the Act against Delay in Payment of Subcontract Proceeds, Etc. to Subcontractors* (hereinafter called the "Subcontract Act") so that subcontractor SMEs will not suffer the burden that their subcontracting entrepreneurs cost them due to such increases and so that cost increases are properly incorporated into sales prices. 2012-04-24T17:34:12+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0420_05.html As a part of the program at "Niko Niko Cho Kaigi" at Makuhari Messe on Saturday, April 28, 2012, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is holding a "Cool Japan Strategy Conference" focusing on how Japan can convey Cool Japan to the world using social media, in which speakers and public participants have discussions interactively. This is an innovative attempt as an official event in which Internet users participate. 2012-04-24T17:33:50+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0420_04.html The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is holding the "Cool Japan Conference (for Distribution Businesses, Developers and Commercial Facilities)" on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, as part of promotion measures for the Cool Japan campaign. After the successful first conference for content companies which was held on March 12, 2012,, in this second conference, small and medium sized tenant enterprises such as businesses for food, fashion, apparel and lifestyle goods, and distribution businesses, logistics and enterprises as commercial centers, are giving presentations to each other for the purpose of achieving business matching. 2012-04-24T17:33:28+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0420_03.html The program's implementation status as of the end of March 2012 was summarized and announced. 2012-04-24T17:32:54+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0420_02.html Following the press release on February 10 announcing that some organic pigments contain an unintentionally generated trace amount of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), a manufacturer/importer newly reported certain products containing PCB in excess of the international standard (50 ppm) to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).METI instructed the company to stop the manufacture, import and shipment of the applicable organic pigments and collect them (same instruction as in the administrative guidance on February 10).If any further pigment containing PCB in excess of 50 ppm is found in the future, METI will continue to provide the same administrative guidance and announce such products from time to time. 2012-04-24T17:32:18+09:00 http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/2012/0419_01.html The "ASEAN Road Show" will be held from Wednesday, April 25 to Saturday, April 28, 2012, when the economy ministers of ASEAN economies will visit Japan. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) hereby introduces the details of the events which will be hosted by METI. 2012-04-24T17:31:53+09:00