The government adopted an administrative reform outline Tuesday that aims to create a slimmer and more efficient government in January 2001.
The outline was adopted by the administrative reform promotion headquarters, headed by Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and consisting of all Cabinet ministers.
Under the outline, the 22 existing ministries and agencies will be consolidated into one office, 10 ministries, two agencies and a commission overseeing public safety, while the number of state ministers will be cut to 14 from the current 18.