With the nation's population rapidly aging and social security costs ballooning, the government must invest its limited financial resources into priority areas in its social infrastructure-building efforts, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry said in a report released Friday.
The 357-page annual white paper, delivered by infrastructure minister Chikage Ogi to the Cabinet, cites development of urban rapid-transport systems and barrier-free infrastructure for the elderly as examples of priority programs.
It underscores the importance of the government placing priority on areas expected to enhance the nation's economic productivity and international competitiveness.
"It is necessary from now on to boldly pursue 'choice and concentration' in carrying out efficient building of social infrastructure in accordance with changes in the socioeconomic environment and the state of local areas," it says.
Priority areas targeted include development of rapid-transport networks, including expressway systems and bypass routes connecting urban areas to major international airports, urban renewal, and social infrastructure improvements to protect the growing elderly population from natural disasters, it says.
The report calls for a drastic review of investments in the construction of new airports, suburban development and other projects at a time of shrinking demand.
"While social security burdens are steadily rising with the aging of society, expenditures for maintenance and renewal of existing infrastructure is expected to grow, and (the nation) cannot afford to build new infrastructure (in the wasteful manner of the past)," the report warns.
To cope with the graying society and dwindling workforce, the report also underscores the need to create a barrier-free society and help more women land jobs while they raise children.