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Supporting the resource management system referred to above, an income stabilization measure was introduced in FY2011, and a cost reduction measure introduced in FY2010. The income stabilization measure is intended to partially compensate for losses in income arising from compliance with a resource-management plan while the cost-reduction measure compensates for any increase above the average for the past several years in the price of crude oil or feed costs. The cost-reduction measure is half funded by the Government and half by the fishermen.

In addition, a tax exemption for fossil fuels is provided for some sectors, including agriculture and fishing, and the special-purpose tax on light oil (which is used for construction and maintenance of public roads) does not apply to non-road uses of light oils which includes fishing vessels. The authorities stated that other industrial activities, such as aquaculture, forestry, ceramics, and other railways are subject to the same treatment.

The Fisheries Modernization Fund Interest Subsidy and the Fund for the Measure to Recovery Fishery Resources were notified to the WTO Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. According to the notification, the Fisheries Modernization Fund provides an interest subsidy to financial organizations, including fisheries' cooperatives, "to advance equipments and modernize management of fisheries and related sectors." The total amount provided was ¥3.9 million in FY2013 and ¥4.6 million in FY2012. (...)

(...) Under the Fund for the Measure to Recovery Fishery Resources, the Government provides grants for comprehensive programmes implemented by non-governmental organizations. The subsidies are provided for sustainable management of fishery resources, promotion of stock enhancement and aquaculture, and conservation of the coastal environment. The total amount provided was ¥2,706 million in FY2013 and ¥3,071 million in FY2012.

In March 2012, MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) established the Ocean Policy Panel to implement the Basic Plan on Ocean Policy of 2008. The Plan and Panel address many aspects of marine policy including exploration and exploitation of minerals, fisheries, and the environment, as well as maritime transport. On maritime transport, the Policy recognises the challenges facing maritime transport in Japan, particularly the decline in the number of Japanese-flagged vessels, the aging of the maritime workforce, and the increasing competition in the region.

Table A3. 2 Incorporated administrative agencies by government office

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (23)
- Japan Atomic Energy Agency

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (13)
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
- National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (19)
- National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory
- Organization for Environment Improvement around International Airport

Ministry of the Environment (2)
- National Institute for Environmental Studies
- Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency

Table A2. 1 WTO dispute settlement cases active 1 January 2011–31 December 2014
(reverse chronological order)
- Subject: Recycling Fee on Motor Vehicles
- Respondent/complainant/appellant: Russian Federation
- Request received for consultation: 24/07/2013
- Status (as at 31 Dec. 2014): Consultations
- WTO document series: DS463

- Subject: Certain Measures Affecting the Renewable Energy Generation Sector
- Respondent/complainant/appellant: Canada
- Request received for consultation: 13/05/2010
- Status (as at 31 Dec. 2014): Implementation notified 05/06/2014
- WTO document series: DS412

- Subject: Recycling Fee on Motor Vehicles
- Respondent/complainant/appellant: Russian Federation/European Union
- Request received for consultation: 09/07/2013
- Status (as at 31 Dec. 2014): Panel established 25/12/2013
- WTO document series: DS462

- Subject: Certain Measures Relating to Solar Cells and Solar Modules
- Respondent/complainant/appellant: India/United States
- Request received for consultation: 06/02/2013
- Status (as at 31 Dec. 2014): Panel established 23/05/2014
- WTO document series: DS456

Foreign Direct Investment continued to flow into Jordan, growing from US$1.47 billion in 2011 to US$1.76 billion in 2014.The Central Bank of Jordan implemented several rate cuts aiming at fostering investment. Many lucrative sectors for investment are; healthcare services, tourism, banking, mining, information technology, clean technology and pharmaceuticals sectors.

(…) Jordan is considered as one of the top in MENA countries with the unspoiled natural locations. (…)

(...) Import prohibitions and non-automatic licensing are applied mainly for health, safety, security, or environmental reasons, to implement UN Security Council resolutions, or to protect public order and morals, and the conservation of natural resources.