under the framework of the ASEAN-Japan Transport Partnership. Dialog sessions on logistical policy were held in Cambodia and Laos in October 2015 and Malaysia in February 2016. In March 2016, students were provided with development training in Vietnam to help secure exceptional human resources in the ASEAN region.

## (11) Geospatial Information Sector

In addition to dispatching staff members to the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UNCE-GGIM) and contributing to adaptation of UN General Assembly resolution on the establishment of a Global Geodetic Reference Frame (GGRF), we have dispatched a staff member as President to the Regional Committee of UN-GGIM for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) and made contributions to the development and utilization of geospatial information for the region.

## (12) Meteorological and Earthquake/Tsunami Sector

Under the framework of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Japan has provided various information including tropical cyclone forecasts taking advantage of its advanced technologies as well as exchanged meteorological data and technical information with the world meteorological community. Also, under the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), Japan has provided the Northwest Pacific Tsunami Advisory to various countries in the region to contribute to tsunami disaster mitigation.

## (13) Coast Guard Sector

Coordination and cooperation among coast guard organizations in various fields—including search and rescue as well as maritime security measures—are being actively promoted through partnership of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum (formed by six countries consisting of Japan, Canada, China, South Korea, Russia, and the United States), the Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (19 Asian countries and one region), and bilateral top-level meetings, as well as joint exercises.

Japan is also proactively participating in various international organizations by formulating standards concerning the production of nautical charts through committees of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), coordinating for the Northwest Pacific Ocean region through the Cospas-Sarsat Programme, conducting investigations into AIS development through committees of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), and dispatching staff members of the Japan Coast Guard to the Information Sharing Center based on the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). In addition, international contributions are being made through different initiatives, such as those that help improve the capabilities of the coast guard sector in developing countries.

## (14) International Transportation

The eighth Japan-China High-Level Talks on Transportation were held for the first time in four years in Beijing, China, in January 2016 to facilitate policy dialog at a vice-ministerial level between Japan and China on issues facing both countries in the transportation sector. It was decided that cooperation through the bilateral exchange of information would continue to be advanced with respect to initiatives for ensuring safety in the transportation sector, responses to large-scale disasters, and the maintenance and securing of transportation and logistical services in the region. In the maritime sector, it was agreed that the importance of cooperation through activities sponsored by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) would be confirmed and that talks at the level of maritime bureau directors-general would be held.

With respect to relations with South Korea, vice-ministerial talks have been held for the purpose of coordinating policy at a high level in the transportation sector in accordance with an agreement concluded at The Japan-Republic of Korea Ministerial Meeting held in 1999. In March 2016, the 11th Meeting of Japan-Korea Transport Cooperation Conference were held in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, where opinions were exchanged on various topics, including initiatives and issues concerning the realization of automated driving operations, the expansion of and logistics concerning the Internet mail order market, enhancing the convenience of public transit, and regional revitalization.