Kansai is actively supporting the advancement of foreign and domestic enterprises. In order to strengthen the capabilities of Japan's container ports to compete internationally in distribution, efforts are being made to drastically reduce costs and lead time. Those efforts were recognized in 2010 when the Hanshin Port (Osaka, Kobe) was designated one of two Strategic International Container Ports in Japan. In addition, efforts are being made to unify port dues and otherwise increase convenience in terms of costs by treating the four international trade ports in Osaka Bay as a single port. At both the Osaka and Kobe ports, an IT harbor cargo management system is being used for the first time in Japan, with the goal of cutting lead time and costs. Furthermore, there are excellent convention facilities in every part of the region, including the Kyoto International Conference Center, and a high percentage of the total number of international meetings are held in the region.

(C)Kyoto International Conference Center	Matsushita Plasma Display Co., Ltd. Amagasaki Plant

Information on Advantageous Locations for Business Information on locations for your business, including local government-designated industrial areas, preferential incentives, etc. Contact with local governments, public corporations, and other organizations related to locations for business. Information for Daily Life Schools Hospitals Religious venues International centers

Special Zones The Kansai Special Zone for Strategic International Innovation that was backed by the three prefectures of Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo and the three ordinance-designated cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe was positioned as a pillar in Japan's new growth strategy when it was designated as a special zone on December 22, 2011. As a special zone, the area is loaded with 32 projects for deregulating and establishing systems in the six fields of drugs, medical equipment, advanced medical technologies, preemptive medical care, batteries and smart communications. Kansai excels in the life sciences and battery-derived energy applications and, because of the vast amount of knowledge that has been accumulated from research to production, further development is expected both in domestic and international markets.