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| The next challenge facing WTO nations is to decide how to begin the
next round of international negotiations. Barshefsky, the ambassador
to the USTR has indicated that Japan's conservative attitude was one of
the causes for the slow progress in negotiations during the last round
of WTO meetings in Seattle.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry and the Agricultural Cooperative Association have often used the phrase, "multi-sided function in agriculture". A one of the assistant manager of the Agricultural Cooperative Association has stated that "The Agriculture function is not just about food production, it must also answer questions related to environmental factors and soil preservation." The agriculture function cannot be measured strictly in terms of rational economic concepts. This is what is meant by a "multi-sided function." The phrase, "multi-sided function" has become an accepted part of Japan's political terminology. The government has found that it is a very convenient phrase to be used during budget approval. For instance, the Ministry of Construction uses the phrase, "multi-sided function" to explain the needs for new highway construction projects. The National Land Agency has touted the need for "balanced land development" for more than 20 years. This phrase was originally used as a political slogan, and then later became an accepted part of our political terminology. The concept is often used to justify new public works projects, but has often required Japan to face critical financial situations. When discussing global environmental issues, it is important to consider the multi-sided function of agriculture, and to expand global and international research. But it is also important to make certain that public confidence is not abused; over-use of the phrase "multi-sided function" as an excuse to obtain or maintain private interests can erode public support of this concept In the future, Japan will be required to act as a mediator when multi-sided functions are considered during disagreements between the U.S. and E.U., conflicts between the interests of advanced nations and developing nations, and multinational grain firms and food producing countries. |
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