Japan should share manufacturing roles with China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations by capitalizing on the advantages of each region, the government said in a white paper on foundations for production released Friday.
It is important that Japan's manufacturing industry ensures access to growing Asian markets while taking advantage of the cost effectiveness of China and the ASEAN region, including their cheap labor, the fiscal 2002 paper says.
The paper was jointly compiled by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry.