Statement by Minister Edano on the Conclusion of the Contract for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) in the UK

July 25, 2012

1. It is really delightful that the contract for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) was finally concluded between the UK Government and the consortium led by Hitachi, Ltd. today (on July 25 in the UK), as a result of the resumption of the contract negotiations in March 2011.
2. I recognize that the conclusion of the contract was brought about by the high evaluation of Hitachi, Ltd. in terms of excellent proposals based on its achievements in the UK including observance of delivery deadlines and advanced technical skills, as well as its contribution to investments and employment by constructing a new local plant in the country.
3. The government has been working together to support the preferred bidder Hitachi, Ltd, with the cooperation of all the relevant Cabinet Ministers, and requested the UK Government to resume the negotiations for contract as promptly as possible. I also greatly appreciate that the conclusion of the contract this time is very significant not only for strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries, but also from the viewpoint of the expansion of business on packaged infrastructure-related systems abroad, as it is the first project in the area of high speed railways.
4. The government will continue to promote further expansion of business on packaged infrastructure-related systems abroad.

International Projects Promotion Office, Manufacturing Industries Bureau