exchanging information on illegal exports. In addition, Japan plans to strenuously implement the following measures: collecting information on the state of each country's ongoing initiatives to prevent illegal imports and exports of hazardous wastes; identifying other countries' definitions and criteria for hazardous wastes and reporting the results in order to narrow differences in the criteria used to identify items controlled under the Basel Convention; and sharing information on good practices for implementing the Basel Convention in order to enhance each country's implementation capacity.

(b) Partnership on the Environmentally Sound Management of Electrical and Electronic Wastes for the Asia-Pacific Region

Japan provides funds for the Partnership on the Environmentally Sound Management of Electrical and Electronic Wastes for the Asia-Pacific Region, an ongoing project within the framework of the Basel Convention. As part of this initiative, Japan supports projects conducted by the Basel Convention Asia-Pacific Regional Centre, including surveys on the criteria used to separate e-wastes (e.g., end-of-life TVs, PCs and refrigerators) from appliances for second-hand use and the creation of e-waste inventories.

(c) Collaboration under multilateral and bilateral frameworks

Japan exchanges information with its major CR trading partners on initiatives aimed at preventing illegal waste imports and exports.

One example of multilateral frameworks is the Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting held between China, Japan and Korea (TEMM), which promotes information exchange concerning the measures used to prevent the inappropriate import and export of e-wastes and other hazardous wastes, and also hosts workshops addressing this issue.

Japan has also established bilateral frameworks with China and South Korea in order to exchange information on legal systems concerning waste exports and imports to and from these countries, and the mechanism needed to implement these systems.

## Section4 Establishing an East Asian SMC block

As shown in the previous sections, the 3R Initiative proposed by Japan has expanded geographically to include not only the G8 countries but also OECD member states and Asian countries. As the global situation changes, this scheme is being adopted, worldwide, as an effective measure to address waste management issues and to improve resource productivity. Global 3R initiatives are entering a new phase (Table 4-4-2).

In light of the discussions held regarding the past G8 processes, initiatives in Asia, and the Second Fundamental Plan for Establishing a SMC Society, Japan has recognized the issues it should tackle in its role as a world leader. They include resource conservation through 3R activities, the pursuit of co-benefits to greenhouse gas emission reductions, and stronger international partnerships to help developing countries build their capacity for waste management and implementation of the 3Rs.

Japan plans to launch full-fledged initiatives to establish an East Asian SMC block. The first step will be to formulate an East Asia Sound Material-Cycle Society Vision by 2012 and help create a sustainable material cycle in Asia.