Statement by Mr. Kenichi MIZUNO Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, JAPAN on May 1, 2002 at Mid-Term Review Meeting of UNCTAD X

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Statement by Mr. Kenichi MIZUNO
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, JAPAN
on May 1, 2002 at Mid-Term Review Meeting of UNCTAD X

（Japanese）

April 30 2002

　May I first of all express my heartfelt gratitude to the Thai Government, Mr. Riccupero and the UNCTAD Secretariat for the efforts undertaken for the successful holding of the Mid-Term Review Meeting of the UNCTAD X.

　The UNCTAD X in February 2000, was attended by Mr. Obuchi, the former Prime Minister of Japan. He explained on the basic thinking of the Japanese Government on Development Cooperation Policy. I believe that the most crucial requirements of the developing countries are, poverty eradication and sustainable growth to be realized through good governance. At the same time, not only the industrialized countries and the developing countries, but also the international organizations, the NGOs, private sector businesses and others should redouble their efforts to participate in achieving these goals. Three factors are vital to the process, namely, to set forth solid goals, to utilize diverse funding for sustainable growth, and to adopt people-centered approach.

　The Asian nations thus far have exercised ownership to achieve development, now becoming donors of aid rather than recipient. At the end of the day, ownership, or taking initiative yourself to forge development is crucial. For the developing countries to exercise ownership in social and economic progress, human resource development is an in dispensable prerequisite.

　Having concerns with the problems of the least developed countries in Asia and Pacific region, Japan also has a deep awareness of the importance of the problem of development support to Africa, where least developed countries are concentrated. In this regard, as touched upon in the Programme of Action adopted at the Third United Nations Conference in the Least Developed Countries, South-South Cooperation, or the more advanced developing countries assisting the other developing countries, is an invaluable means of achieving the objective. Thus, Japan would like to support the South-South, or Asia-to-Africa Cooperation, to share with our African friends, the experience and wisdom of the Asian countries in achieving this economic growth amidst the globalization of the world economy. Late next year, Japan plans to host the TICAD III, the third Tokyo International Conference on African Development. We have already designated the year or so time leading to the Conference as the "Year for Soaring Cooperation with Africa."

　At the UNCTAD X, Japan committed to the HRD programme for the implementation of the WTO Agreements, to assist countries finding difficulty, through conducting capacity building course for 2,500 people over 5 years, and to expeditiously implement the Cologne Initiative to help the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries. Under the WTO Agreement related HRD programme, we have accepted over 700 people in just one year for the FY 2000, which is significantly more than our original plan. In April 2000, we announced to enlarge debt reduction for the HIPCs in non-ODA loans, and committed furthermore to contribute 200 million US dollar for the World Bank's Multilateral Debt Relief Trust Fund. Japan, as you can see, have already amply achieved the agreed commitment of the Bangkok Plan of Action, and more.

　ODA plays an important rule in facilitating development in developing countries. To date, Japan has provided 200billion US dollar of aid on accumulated basis. Having offered 13.5 billion US dollar of ODA in the year 2000, Japan maintains the number one ranking in the world. Notwithstanding the fiscal difficulties we are faced with, it is our intention to continue the effective use of ODA.

　Further, we consider the Johannesburg Summit (WSSD) to be held from August 26 to September 4 as an important conference in the area of environment and development. Japan advocates the principle of "Global Sharing" of strategies, responsibilities and experiences and intends to take actions to specifically deal with urgent issues such as water, forest, health care and energy.

　In the midst of globalization, in order for developing countries to attain sustainable growth, trade is an important component along with assistance. That is why we believe it necessary for developing countries to participate in and promote the new round of the WTO.

　Japan has been involved in various initiatives of technical cooperation for trade-related capacity building, one such example being the contribution of 1.5 million Swiss Francs to the WTO Doha Development Agenda Global Trust Fund. In addition, we with to provide the utmost assistance possible for trade and investment related projects proposed by UNCTAD based on the WTO Doha Development Agenda. Japan puts importance on assistance in human resources development and capacity building for the economic self-reliance of developing countries. Japan is considering to provide financial assistance to one of the four training seminars for trade and investment related officials planned to be organized in the Asia Pasific this year. We consider that such assistance would be one of the follow-up measures of the Bangkok Plan of Action. We also consider that the importance of UNCTAD in trade-related technical cooperation will further increase as economic globalization proceeds.

　Finally, let me say a few words on the state of the Japanese economy. In the midst of continued difficulty, the Koizumi cabinet is making all-out efforts for reform with unwavering resolve under the concept of "no gain without reform." Structural reform is steadily underway. Reform has been launched on various fronts exemplified by the reform of government affiliated organizations and regulatory reform. We are determined to make this year "the year of reform in full bloom" when each of the reform initiatives will be put on track to create a major thrust of reform and "the year to lay the foundation for economic revival." Already, signs are beginning to be seen indicating the economy may be bottoming out. By overcoming this crucial stage, we aim to begin reaping the benefits of reform from FY 2003 and to realize steady economic growth in and after FY 2004 driven by private sector demand.

　Thank you.

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