The Japanese trade ministry Tuesday released a proposal seeking the stable domestic supply of medical masks and protective wear, which saw widespread shortages amid the COVID-19 crisis. 

These products are "emergency goods," which should be steadily supplied in times of emergencies through expansion of domestic production and stockpiling, said the proposal released at a meeting of the Trade Committee of the Industrial Structure Council, which advises the trade minister.

The ministry hopes that the industry world will review their supply chains in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to increase domestic production of such goods following the drastic change in the trade environment.

In the proposal, the ministry made public its basic views on foreign economic policies in response to the coronavirus crisis for the first time.

For goods such as automobiles and electronic parts, the proposal calls for diversifying procurement and boosting cooperation with friendly nations because reviving production in Japan would be too costly.

The pandemic has led many countries to restrict exports of face masks and ventilators. The ministry said that major powers such as the United States, China and Europe are trying to expand their influence by pushing their foreign policy agenda.

Japan should "lead the creation of a new international order" through cooperating on infrastructure-building and drawing up international rules on the use of digital technology, the proposal said.

JIJI Press