(JICA) has sent five experts
five experts in the field of precision sheet metal processing to the Precision Tooling Training Centre in Hong Kong; whilst the active training of employees by their respective Japanese corporate employers will contribute greatly to the transfer of technology. Essentially Japan fully intends to coop- erate with Hong Kong to ensure the territory remains as attrac- tive a location for investment as it is today.
6. JAPAN'S POLITICAL ROLE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
Ladies and gentlemen,
Within these times of great change in the international order, I am acutely aware that Japan is expected to make even greater contributions in the Asia-Pacific Region, not only in terms of economic cooperation, but also in the political sphere. At the July summit of world leaders, the Japanese Government did its utmost to ensure the position and views of the Asia-Pacific Region were aired and taken note of during discussions and de- bate. As result the political declaration actually referred to the roles to be played by the ASEAN post-ministerial conferences and APEC meetings, and the importance of these forums in promot- ing peace and stability in the Region. Serious concern was voiced at the situation in Cambodia, and support for the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) peace-keeping activi- ties was explicitly cited. In the Chairman's statement, the seven industrialised nations' leaders expressed their support for the recent developments in economic reform in China, and further encouraged China to play a more constructive role in the interna- tional sphere.
As Japan goes on to play a more active political role, we should remind ourselves of how we perceive our past history. At this point I express our sincere contrition at Japanese past
actions which inflicted unbearable suffering and sorrow great many people of the Asia-Pacific Region. The Japanese people
upon a are firmly resolved never again to repeat those actions which had tragic consequences, and as a nation we have made a strong effort over the past four decades to translate the philosophy and the resolve of living as a country of peace into actual policies.
The law concerning cooperation with United Nations Peace- Keeping operations which was enacted in July of this year, was done so very much in line with the above philosophy, in view of the growing awareness that Japan, as a responsible member of the U.N. should play its role and perform its duties in accordance with its place in international society. The enactment of this Law means that the domestic framework is now established whereby Japan can now make a positive contribution to U.N. Peace-Keeping operations both in terms of personnel and logistical support. It is important to note that the reason why the Japanese Peace- Keeping Corps can recruit from the Self-Defence Forces and the Maritime Safety Agency is simply to enable the Corps to achieve more effective cooperation by utilizing the expertise, experience and ability of these highly trained personnel. The activities of
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