NAGAHAMA, Shiga Pref. -- In an effort to generate business opportunities and improve the environment of this western Japan city, a group of small and medium-size businesses have launched a project to build equipment to refine used cooking oil for use in automobiles as an alternative fuel.
The plan is one of a series of new ideas and projects proposed by members of a council to create new and innovative businesses.
The 27-member council, consisting of small and medium-size firms belonging to the Nagahama Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has been active in realizing new ideas since its establishment in June 1999.