Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

(Japan) METI occupies a central position in Japan’s “economic bureaucracy” and is regarded as one of the three most powerful and prestigious ministries of the central government (along with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). In formulating and implementing Japan’s trade and industrial policies, METI is responsible for funding most of Japan’s export promotion programs (although operation of these programs is left to JETRO). The Ministry also supervises the export financing programs of Japan’s Export-Import Bank, operates several types of export insurance programs, supports research organizations, and facilitates various types of overseas technical and cooperation training programs. Lately, METI has assumed a role in encouraging imports of foreign products into Japan. Contact: Ministry of International Trade and Industry; 1-3-1, Kasumigaseki 1-chome; Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8901, Japan; Tel: [81] (3) 3501-1511; Web: www.meti.go.jp/english/index.html.