## (5) Road Sector

For the purpose of improving international understanding and reliability toward Japanese road technology, model projects were implemented in Myanmar and Turkey on pavement recycling technology and ITS technology. Also, to discover new projects that may utilize Japan’s specialty of tunneling technology, surveys were conducted in Laos and Morocco.

In addition, in 10 countries mostly in Asia, seminars were held on policies and technology in the road sector with the cooperation of expressway companies and road-related private companies, to push Japanese road technology that meets the needs of each of these countries.

Also, regarding the World Road Association (WRA), there is active participation in the various technical committees and the Winter Road Congress held in Andorra to promote technical exchanges and sharing of information with various countries in the various fields including aging structure measures and traffic safety.

Additionally, at the ITS World Congress (October 2013, Tokyo) held in Japan for the first time in nine years, approximately 20,000 people from 65 countries participated in activities such as exhibitions, sessions, and demonstrations where the latest ITS technology could be experienced to promote the latest ITS technology. Also, in conjunction with the congress, ministerial conferences were held and the Senior Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and others met with ministerial delegates of participating countries to exchange information on ITS policies.

## (6) Housing and Architecture Sector

Bilateral director-general meetings are regularly held with South Korea, China, France, Canada, and Germany to exchange information on topics such as housing policy, architectural standards, and architectural technology. Opinions were exchanged on the theme of furthering the housing industry with China in October 2013 and on architecture and environmental measures with Germany in March 2014.

Also, with Myanmar, in August 2013 the Japan-Myanmar Architecture and Housing Conference was held as a first for both country governments to discuss architectural standards and other issues in addition to implementing a seminar including the private sector in October to exchange opinions between the companies of both countries.

## (7) Railway Sector

In the field of high-speed rail, efforts are being made to push the adoption of bullet train technology in India, Thailand, and other countries. Also, efforts are being made to promote the international expansion of urban rail.

In August and September of 2013, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism visited countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore to conduct top sales for the adoption of Japan’s high-speed rail and urban rail systems. Also, for dignitaries visiting Japan, inspection tours are organized according to individual interests and pitches are made regarding the adoption of Japan’s rail system. Also, the Senior Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism made overtures to various dignitaries including those from various Asian countries, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 2013, rail seminars involving the coordination of the public and private sectors were held in countries including India and Myanmar.

## (8) Maritime Sector

Regarding the International Maritime Organization (IMO), international initiatives are being carried out on a variety of areas in the maritime sector such as the safety of vessels and marine environment protection. Also, initiatives are being implemented such as bilateral meetings with countries traditionally close to Japan along with international cooperation. Regarding bilateral meetings, in fiscal 2013, director-general level meetings were held with South Korea and the EU to share information and exchange opinions on important topics such as promoting the cruise industry, reduction measures for greenhouse gas emissions, and the safety regulations of passenger ships.

In addition, in fiscal 2013, experts were dispatched to the Philippines on ship safety policy. Also, training for the educators of seafarers were held in Southeast Asian countries such as Myanmar.