METI drafts plan for lifting competitiveness in cultural industry+

TOKYO, April 5 Kyodo -
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry on Monday drew up a strategic plan
aimed at raising Japan's competitiveness in cultural areas such as fashion and
animation as well as in medical services.
The ministry submitted the draft to a panel on industrial competitiveness in
the Industrial Structural Council, an advisory organ for the economy, trade and
industry minister, with a view to including the program in the government's new
growth strategy to be compiled in June.
The draft called for making Japan a major power in terms of its cultural
industry, given that Japan-originated products are increasingly popular
overseas, particularly in other Asian countries.
It said that the cultural industry could develop into a pillar of the Japanese
economy in the future, matching the importance of the auto and home appliance
industries.
As concrete measures, the draft cited the creation of a public-private fund to
support businesses in deploying Japan-made content overseas and a scheme to
help smaller companies sell their products abroad.
Concerning medical services, the draft called for the industrialization of
various medical services sought by users so that such services can be offered
more efficiently.
It also proposed to promote ''medical tourism,'' offering medical services to
foreigners who visit Japan.
==Kyodo