## (13) Meteorological and Earthquake/Tsunami Sector

Under the framework of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in addition to the mutual exchange of meteorological observation data and technological information, information on typhoons and climate utilizing our nation’s technology is provided to various countries to cooperate with the implementation and promotion of meteorological efforts of the world. Also, under the framework of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization/Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC), the Northwest Pacific Tsunami Advisory has been provided to various countries in the region to contribute to the tsunami disaster mitigation.

## (14) Research Sector

In anticipation of spreading our nation’s superior infrastructure-related technology to Asian nations, based on the research coordination roadmap with Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and others, specifications for construction technology such as environmental pavements modified to better suit local conditions are being jointly developed under the coordination of MLIT and local governmental research organizations among other joint research. Also, in fiscal 2013, joint workshops were hosted with Vietnam and Indonesia for technical discussions regarding coordinated research projects and exchanges of opinion regarding research cooperation. Also, coordination with locally dispatched JICA experts and the invitation of mid-level and young researchers are being promoted among other initiatives.

## (15) Coast Guard Sector

Coordination and cooperation between coast guard organizations in the fields such as search and rescue as well as maritime security measures are being promoted through activities such as the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum (the six countries of Japan, Canada, China, South Korea, Russia, and the United States), the Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (18 Asian countries and one region), and bilateral head-level meetings with Russia, South Korea and India, as well as joint exercises.

Also, active participation in international organizations is being carried out through activities such as serving as the chair of the working group within the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the establishment of standards regarding the creation of hydrographic charts in the various committees of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), leading the northwest Pacific Ocean region for the International Cospassarsat Programme, studies concerning the development of next generation Automatic Identification System (AIS) at the various committees of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), and dispatching coast guard staff to the Information Sharing Centre under the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). In addition, international contributions are being made through initiatives such as improving the ability of the coast guard sector in developing countries.

## Section 3 Efforts for International Standardization

## (1) Internationalization of Automobile Standards and Certification Systems

To promote the early and cost-efficient adoption of automobiles that are safe with high environmental performance, Japan is participating in activities such as United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (UNECE/WP29) to promote international harmonization of safety and environmental standards and promoting the international spread of Japanese automobiles with superior safety and environmental features as well as new technology. In order to promote such activities, the four pillars of 1) strategic international standardization of Japanese technology and standards, 2) coordination with Asian countries, 3) realization of mutual recognition of vehicle units worldwide, and 4) establishment of a framework to handle the globalization of standards certification as included in the “Action Plan for the Internationalization of the Regulation and Certification System” is being realized to promote the internationalization of regulation and certification systems.