Japan helps auto industry

Japan helps auto industry

TOKYO (DPA): The Japanese government plans to send experts on the automobile industry to Southeast Asian countries from fiscal 2000 to improve the operations of local auto parts manufacturers, an official of Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said Wednesday.

About 20 to 30 experts, formerly employed in Japan's auto industry, will be dispatched to the countries for about two years. They will give advice to local suppliers on improving product quality, enhancing production efficiency and improving management, the official said.

Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Hiroshi Okuda recommended the dispatch of experts, saying the Southeast Asian market is important for Japan's automobile industry.

Okuda was quoted as saying the Southeast Asian markets have bottomed out, although sales volume remains low.