The government's effort to help the world's poorest countries market their goods in Japan is gathering steam, with trade chief Toshihiro Nikai asking ambassadors and representatives from 27 nations earlier this week to provide "creative products that reflect local characteristics" and to suggest how to make the campaign successful.
During the One Village, One Product campaign, Japan will from February to September host trade fairs, send experts to developing countries and conduct training programs to boost people's abilities to develop marketable products and sell them.
African envoys who met with Nikai, the minister of economy, trade and industry, said they welcomed Japan's assistance, describing the initiative as "excellent."