Kyushu-Okinawa Summit 2000
Outline of Kyushu-Okinawa Summit Meeting

In terms of shipment volume, the processing of foods such as sugar cane and pineapple is the number one manufacturing industry. With the construction of a major oil refinery on the East Coast of Okinawa Island, oil refining is also growing steadily, and output is now almost equal to food processing. The manufacture of beverages, feed and tobacco is the third largest industry. Okinawa's traditional crafts include Awamori rice brandy, Bingata dyed cloth, pottery, textiles and lacquer ware.

The Shuri district, formerly the site of the Ryukyu Kingdom's castle, is a popular sightseeing area. Visitors can get a sense of Okinawa's past by visiting the Shuri Castle and Enkakuji Temple ruins, as well as the magnificent Iyedonchi Garden. The West Coast of central and northern Okinawa Island and the Kerama Islands are a part of Okinawa Oceanic Quasi-National Park. The area is famed for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs, and is one of the preferred spots for marine sports. A recent addition to the popular recreation available on Zamami Island, a part of the Kerama Islands, is whale watching. Iriomote National Park centers on Iriomote Island, famed for its subtropical virgin forest and rare animal species. Marine sports facilities have also become popular recently. Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island also have their own unique blend of nature and culture, and continue to enthrall tourists.
Okinawa Prefecture is found on the same latitude zone as Taiwan, Hong Kong, the northern Hawaiian Islands, California and Florida peninsulas, as well as famed resorts such as Miami, Nassau and the Bahamas. It is one of Asia's world-class resort destinations.