KYOTO -- The 38th annual Kansai Economic Seminar concluded Thursday with participants recognizing the importance of information technology, but divided on how much it should be embraced by firms whose traditional business is manufacturing. "Information technology is important for economic growth. But Japan needs to manufacture and export to pay for energy resources," said Kyoto Chamber of Commerce head Kazuo Inamori, summing up the views of those who expressed reservations about the rush by many smaller manufacturing firms to enter the IT industry. Economic revitalization by massive investment in information technology was the most controversial section of a statement issued at the end of the conference. Less contentious was a call on the central government to effectively deal with several economic issues, including the unstable financial system and falling land values. In addition, five courses of action for Japan in the 21st century were suggested. These include developing effective and creative businesses, reducing the central government bureaucracy and restructuring tax accounting laws to give local governments more authority. Job safety was also included in the statement. The dangers of high unemployment to a stable society were stressed, and the seminar called on businesses and government to provide laid off employees with an adequate safety net. In addition, further restructuring the employment system to encourage workers to develop new skills was encouraged. In order to realize revitalization, the seminar expressed support for the Kansai Economic Federation's Revitalization Scenario and emphasized a closer role between local governments and businesses. Osaka's 2008 Olympic bid, officially submitted to the International Olympic Committee last month, was formally given support by the seminar, which called upon member corporations to engage in cross promotion with customers and suppliers around the country.
