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.