Japan, a major beneficiary of free trade, should take greater initiative in creating global trade rules and reconciling domestic regulations with international ones to ensure freer corporate activity, according to a government white paper released Tuesday.
The 1998 white paper on international trade also calls on Japan to play a greater role in helping neighboring Asian nations overcome their immediate and long-term economic difficulties.
The 50th annual report on the nation's trade policy was presented to the Cabinet by Mitsuo Horiuchi, minister for international trade and industry.