News
Keidanren （the Japan Business Federation） recently compiled proposals to reform Japan’s port/harbor and export/import systems in the hopes of enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness.
As for reforming the port/harbor system, the federation proposed that Japan have consistent port/harbor strategies, introduce a thorough one-stop system for processing port arrival/departure formalities by using a common portal linking several governmental organizations, extend relevant authorities’ business hours for completing port arrival/departure formalities and consolidate the existing systems for doing so.
Concerning reforms in the export/import system, it suggested the Authorized Economic Operator （AEO） system be further enhanced, that a computerized, paperless system for processing export/import formalities be established and that a Japanese version of the so-called “24-hour” rule be promoted.
The organization also insisted that Japan accomplish reforms to realize an equal footing for competition.
To have consistent port/harbor strategies, more specifically, Keidanren advised that Tokyo develop a grand design to come up with policies covering ports and harbors across the nation, move up the international container port/harbor program and launch a system for extensive port/harbor administrators governing ports and harbors of several different municipalities.
In respect to a Japanese version of the U.S.’ 24-hour rule, the organization indicated that Japan has no other choice than to implement it when taking recent global trends into consideration.
More specifically, it proposed that it be a workable system, that exemptions be implemented for imports from other Asian economies and that preferential treatment programs for AEO importers be introduced.
Keidanren also stated the system should be introduced in Japan in stages and made specific suggestions for each stage.
