The Role of the State and the Contribution of JETRO

Abstract

Japan’s industrial policy and its particular institutional framework are often used as a reference. In various contexts the strong and mighty MITI has been cited as a model of state intervention, different if not superior to the models of western industrialized countries. The picture coming into one’s mind is that of a „strong government, weak enterprises“ in a neo-mercantilistic economic framework. Measures frequently discussed are the protection of infant industries through tariffs, other trade barriers, state controlled allocation of investment and technology imports. In this study I use the term „industrial policy“ following the definition given by Komiya.⁴⁴ Komiya defines „industrial policy“ as