#### Collaboration between governments and regional financial institutions to manifest stock effects. ~ Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau and North Pacific Bank, Ltd. ~

The Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau and North Pacific Bank, Ltd., concluded an agreement for cooperation in November 2014. The purpose is to encourage reviving tourism and regional promotion in Hokkaido by making use of the strengths of the government and the regional financial institutions. The collaboration includes measures to expand stock effects of the infrastructure and deepen the regional understanding on the infrastructure, so it may be said that the regional financial institutions are the partners of government to manifest new stock effects. The key approaches are introduced here.

## (i) Seminar to add to the attractiveness of Michi-no-Eki (roadside station)

In order to solve the issues of regional revitalization, this seminar is a measure to support local governments that are trying to revitalize their roadside stations through collaboration with National Research and Development Agencies, the Public Works Research Institute and the Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Regions. In the first seminar held in August 2015, issues related to roadside stations were discussed among private businesses, local governments, and relevant authorities that are invited by North Pacific Bank. At the same time, efforts are being made to introduce private businesses that are cooperating in reinvigorating roadside stations to local governments (Figure 2-1-10).

Figure 2-1-10 A photo taken during the seminar for increasing the appeal of Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station)

Source) National Research and Development Agencies, the Public Works Research Institute, the Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Regions

## (ii) PPP/PFI Seminar in Asahikawa

In March 2015, under the auspices of the Asahikawa Development and Construction Department of the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, North Pacific Bank, Ltd., and the Asahikawa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the PPP/PFI seminar to promote PPP/PFI projects based on proposals by the private sector was held. In the seminar, following the introduction of business and stories of personal experiences by representative companies now operating PFI projects, discussions were conducted about the PPP/PFI projects, the system of proposals by the private sector from the viewpoints of private companies, and the feasibility of the projects within the jurisdiction.

(iii) Panel exhibition of stock effects of the infrastructure

In order to let a wide range of local residents know the impact of streamlining of the infrastructure, a panel exhibition is now underway using the head and branch offices of North Pacific Bank.

## ■ Higashi-kyushu Expressway, Nakatsu Port and Hososhima Port

Higashi-kyushu Expressway is a 436 km arterial high-standard highway, which starts from Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka, passes through each prefecture of Fukuoka, Oita, Miyazaki and Kagoshima, and reaches Kagoshima City, Kagoshima. Except for some sections, it is placed in service to connect seas along the highway, air traffic bases and cities of commerce and industry such as Kitakyushu City and Oita-shi to form a Kyushu’s integral network along with Kyushu Jukan Expressway and Kyushu Odan Expressway.