Cultivating "Paddy Fields of Industry"

The expression "the rice of industry" is generally used to refer to a core (or staple) product of Japanese economy. It used to refer to steel, and more recently to semiconductors. We need to keep in mind, however, that the steel, semiconductor and other manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries alike all require infrastructure for the transport of raw materials and supply of energy. Such industries also need public transportation for workers, communication networks, and water and sewage systems. In addition, it is important not only to build infrastructure, but also to maintain, manage and develop existing infrastructure with the latest technologies.

Building on the above analogy, infrastructure that provides the foundation for industry can be called the "paddy fields of industry." We believe it is imperative to develop, utilizing Japanese technology, high-quality, environmentally friendly "paddy fields of industry" around the world with a view to achieving carbon neutrality. To support such efforts, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is implementing the "Feasibility Study Project for Overseas Development of High-Quality Infrastructure/Energy Infrastructure." Reported on this website are some of the successful business cases made a high leap from the above project. Please find out the cases and cultivate new "Paddy Fields of Industry". METI is ready to partner with companies that are exploring business opportunities in unexploited markets.

Trade Promotion Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry