ID :
155576
Fri, 12/31/2010 - 21:29
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Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/155576
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TOKYO to use ODA to promote Japan`s satellite industry
TOKYO, Dec. 31 Kyodo -
The government has decided to provide funding for developing countries' space
satellite projects under its official development assistance, government
sources said Friday.
The first such aid funds are expected to be offered to Vietnam to help Japanese
companies secure business related to a planned satellite launch by the
Southeast Asian country.
The government had previously opposed disbursing ODA funds for satellite
projects on the grounds that the ODA program should primarily serve the goal of
eradicating poverty.
But Tokyo has changed its mind after seeing European countries successfully use
ODA funding to benefit their aerospace industries. Japan now plans to extend
low-interest, yen-denominated loans to emerging economies to support Japanese
firms in the race to secure satellite-related deals abroad, they said.
Since Seiji Maehara became foreign minister last year, the ministry has shifted
its position on funding foreign satellite projects with aid funds as Maehara
believes the government should help to promote Japanese infrastructure exports.
Vietnam earlier asked Japan for loans to carry out its 30 billion yen project
to build a space center and launch a weather satellite.
Among Japanese companies, NEC Corp. and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. manufacture
satellites.
French and Belgian firms have already been awarded contracts in connection with
the Vietnamese space program, apparently aided by their respective countries'
ODA.
Japanese companies are afraid of falling behind Western competitors and only
one Japanese satellite, with key components made by Japanese firms, has been
delivered to a foreign buyer.
Japan is aiming to export five to 10 satellites in five years' time.
The government earmarked funding for the development of advanced small
satellites in its draft budget for the year from April. It will also send a
delegation of government and corporate officials to Mongolia and Cambodia in
February in the hope of winning satellite-related business.
==Kyodo
The government has decided to provide funding for developing countries' space
satellite projects under its official development assistance, government
sources said Friday.
The first such aid funds are expected to be offered to Vietnam to help Japanese
companies secure business related to a planned satellite launch by the
Southeast Asian country.
The government had previously opposed disbursing ODA funds for satellite
projects on the grounds that the ODA program should primarily serve the goal of
eradicating poverty.
But Tokyo has changed its mind after seeing European countries successfully use
ODA funding to benefit their aerospace industries. Japan now plans to extend
low-interest, yen-denominated loans to emerging economies to support Japanese
firms in the race to secure satellite-related deals abroad, they said.
Since Seiji Maehara became foreign minister last year, the ministry has shifted
its position on funding foreign satellite projects with aid funds as Maehara
believes the government should help to promote Japanese infrastructure exports.
Vietnam earlier asked Japan for loans to carry out its 30 billion yen project
to build a space center and launch a weather satellite.
Among Japanese companies, NEC Corp. and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. manufacture
satellites.
French and Belgian firms have already been awarded contracts in connection with
the Vietnamese space program, apparently aided by their respective countries'
ODA.
Japanese companies are afraid of falling behind Western competitors and only
one Japanese satellite, with key components made by Japanese firms, has been
delivered to a foreign buyer.
Japan is aiming to export five to 10 satellites in five years' time.
The government earmarked funding for the development of advanced small
satellites in its draft budget for the year from April. It will also send a
delegation of government and corporate officials to Mongolia and Cambodia in
February in the hope of winning satellite-related business.
==Kyodo
