Cabinet Decision on the "Comprehensive Physical Distribution Policy (FY2021-2025)"

1. Outline

An outline of the new Policy is as follows:

I. Directions and approaches for future distribution policies

The challenges currently faced by the distribution industry in Japan are becoming more and more serious and evident amid drastic social changes caused by the spread of COVID-19. In order to prioritize policies that address those challenges, the Policy places the relevant policies in future directions from the following three points of view.

In addition, in order to quantitatively assess the progress of the various policies outlined in this Policy, major indicators (KPIs) are presented in an annex to the Policy.

Based on this Policy, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will strongly promote related policies in cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies.

1. Thorough optimization of the supply chain as a whole through promoting digital transformation and standardization of distribution (Achievement of simple and smooth distribution)

2. Promotion of countermeasures against labor shortage and structural reform of distribution (Achievement of bearer-friendly distribution)

3. Creation of resilient and sustainable distribution networks (Achievement of tough and flexible distribution)

II. Planning horizon for the Policy and the future promotion system

The planning horizon is FY2025. In addition to establishing KPIs to quantitatively assess the progress of policies, the government will conduct progress management, verification, etc. to enhance the effectiveness of the policies presented in the Policy by regularly providing opportunities to evaluate them together with experts, related businesses, etc.

2. Date of the Cabinet decision

June 15, 2021 (Tue.)

Related Material

• "Comprehensive Physical Distribution Policy (FY2021-2025)" (in Japanese) (PDF:1,240KB)

Division in Charge

Logistics Policy Planning Office, Commerce and Service Industry Policy Group