## ○Administrative operation open to the nation and promotion of interactive government

The “MLIT Hotline Station” has been set up to obtain a broader knowledge of the nation’s opinions and demands. For the purpose of disclosing in plain terms negative information, including the history of punishments imposed on business operators, the “Internet Search Site for Negative Information” will be provided on the MLIT website.

Furthermore, for the purpose of ensuring the transparency and fairness of social capital development projects in their planning and subsequent stages, new guidelines were established in FY2007 that show the standard philosophy on how the technical and professional studies of the project schemes and the process of scheme examination should be carried out, in addition to the existing procedures to invite the nation’s participation.

## (4) Drawing up the prospects on national land and social capital

## ○ Promoting establishment of the National Spatial Strategies

Following amendments to related laws in 2005, it was decided to newly establish the National Spatial Strategy so that it now consists of a two-tier structure of the National Plan and Regional Plan with the aim of transforming ongoing planning initiated by the national government to decentralized planning. The National Plan covers fundamental policies of national land construction while the Regional Plan deals with more independent regional and provincial planning and features their geographical characteristics.

The Fourth National Land Use Plan (National Plan) declares a fundamental policy of “sustainable national land management” aiming at handing down the national land to the next generation in a better condition.

## ○ Promoting establishment of the Key Plan of Social Capital Improvement for the next term

The Key Plan of Social Capital Improvement aims at integrating the existing plans developed for nine different business areas into a single plan to implement the infrastructure development projects in an intensive, effective and efficient manner. As the current plan expires in 2007, the superseding Key Plan of Social Capital Improvement in the next term is scheduled to be drawn up (to be approved by the Cabinet) in FY2008. Based on the Key Plan of the next term, the respective regional blocks are to put together the “Key Policy of Social Capital Improvement for Regional Blocks” in the next term.

## (5) Promotion of the new marine/coastal region policy (establishing a marine-based country)

Under the “Basic Act on Ocean Policy” enacted in April 2007, the Headquarters for Ocean Policy were established in the Cabinet and MLIT Minister Tetsuzo Fuyushiba was appointed as the first minister for ocean policy. Thus, a system to comprehensively and intensively promote ocean policy has been established. Being responsible for broad-ranging marine/coastal area policies, MLIT is actively participating in the government’s efforts.

Outline of the Basis Act on Ocean Policy

© Increasing the role played by the ocean, e.g. securing of food and resources/energy, transportation of goods, maintenance of the earth’s environment

◎ Exposure of various marine problems, e.g. pollution of marine environment, decrease of marine resources, advancing coastal erosion, occurrence of serious marine accidents, frequently repeated pirate attacks, occurrence of events that may affect the security of marine interests

Need to build a New Institutional Framework for Ocean Policy

## Basic Act on Ocean Policy enacted (April 20, 2007) and enforced (July 20, 2007)

Formulating Basic Plan on Ocean Policy

(Formulation of measures the Government shall comprehensively and systematically implement with regard to the oceans as well as the basic policy of measures with regard to oceans. To be reviewed once in approx. every five years)