U.S. companies see opportunities for business as Kobe rebuilds, but analysts are cautious

Article Abstract:

US and international corporations see enormous opportunities in the reconstruction of Kobe, Japan's port city which was hardest hit by a massive Jan. 17, 1995 earthquake. Prospects are forecast to be bright particularly for industries such as construction, housing, raw materials, engineering, and communications and heavy equipment. However, analysts are warning these companies to adopt a wait-and-see stance, as the Japanese government has yet to draw up a master reconstruction plan, while officials are still reeling from criticisms on the issues of disaster-preparedness and emergency management.

Forecasts and trends, Corporations, Kobe, Japan

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Financial toll of quake keeps rising as more structural damage is exposed

Article Abstract:

The final estimate of damage wrought by the 1995 Kobe, Japan, earthquake could exceed the present estimate of $95 billion. New inspections of public infrastructure, such as the Great Nishinomiya Bridge linking mainland Japan to an artificial island, revealed major structural damages. In addition, a survey of 223 modern buildings in Kobe, Japan, showed that 16% were significantly damaged beyond use. Meanwhile, the Japanese opposition party led by Ichiro Ozawa criticized the government for its slow response to the earthquake.

Kobe, Japan, Earthquake, 1995

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Japan's stance shields a battered auto sector

Article Abstract:

Japan's refusal to increase US automobile parts companies' access to its markets is a move designed to protect its fledgling automobile industry. Most Japanese automobile manufacturers have suffered sales declines as a result of the recession which hit the country and the strong yen. The US wants the Japanese government to set voluntary targets for buying US-made car parts, as per their agreement in 1992.

Motor vehicles and car bodies, Administration of General Economic Programs, Automobiles, Automobile Manufacturing, Bilateral Trade Negotiations, United States, Japan, International trade, Automobile industry, Japanese foreign relations, United States foreign relations, Trade negotiations

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