Backs to the wall: Japan's public-works bid-rigging draws increasing fire

Article Abstract:

The bid-rigging of contracts for public works that has long prevailed in Japan may decrease due to internal and external factors. The internal factor is the scandal involving political leader Shin Kanemaru who allegedly failed to pay taxes on money from Japan's construction industry. Such payments, common under the bid-rigging system called dango, are angering the Japanese public for fostering corruption and inflating building costs. The external factor is the growing displeasure of other countries, especially the US, over being barred from Japan's construction market.

Construction industry, Construction, Economic policy, Contracts, Ethical aspects, Japanese foreign relations, Letting of contracts, Competitive bidding, Building

---

The export culture

Article Abstract:

A recent renewal of traditional Japanese belief in the importance of exports helped to boost Japan's trade surplus to a record $132.6 billion in 1992. This surplus would be even larger if it included exports by Japanese-owned offshore factories. Japan's continuing refusal to open its domestic markets to foreign imports helped sustain this surplus while denying Japanese consumers a wider range of products to choose from. Increased Japanese investment in other countries and higher Japanese consumption are two proposals for reining in Japan's huge surplus.

International trade

---

Promises to keep: U.S. presses China on Hong Kong

Article Abstract:

The US is raising its profile on Hong Kong issues as the date of China's takeover approaches, in part because of pressure from a new Congress less friendly to Beijing. With its huge investments and many citizens and companies in the British colony, the US stands to lose much if things go awry. The US seems increasingly willing to tie China's entrance to international organizations to how it lives up to its promises on Hong Kong, but the issue could further roil the waters between Washington and Beijing.

China, Chinese foreign relations, Hong Kong-China reunification question

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Back to business: India's public-sector banks clean up their books
• Abstracts: Manufacturers to aim for quality. Taiwan expands regional investment. Taiwan comes of age
• Abstracts: Poor reception: Japan's Wowow TV struggles under weak management
• Abstracts: Faster tempo: Western pop-music publishers set their sights on Asia. Wheels of misfortune: car smugglers bruise Hong Kong's insurers
• Abstracts: Farmer's market. Casually smart: Pakistan's Crescent Group tries on jeans. Gambling on the Kazakhs

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.