JAPAN Five Approach To Boost Textile Exports

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is responding to slumping domestic demand and rising apparel imports with a plan of action aimed at stimulating local production over the next few years.

It’s five-pronged approach will focus on: 

1.      Technological developments to build demand for new fibres and fabric;

2.      The promotion of merchandising and direct marketing;

3.      Brand and export building exercises;

4.      Reforms to improve the country’s high cost structure;  

5.      The elimination of differences in trade systems between countries.

Although there is already a budget for technological developments by small and medium-sized textile manufacturers, METI will seek a sharp budget increase for fiscal 2004. It is also requested a budget increase for the Japan External Trade Organisation to help grow exports from 80 million yen in fiscal 2002 to 340 million yen in fiscal 2003.

Some 680,000 people – or 7 %  of all manufacturing employees - work in Japan’s textile industry.

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