ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the emerging division of labour and operations of Japanese firms in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on the electrical machinery industry. It argues that Japanese firms have increasingly come to view their counterparts in many Asian economies as actual or potential partners. The book shows that Japanese firms can make greater use of international procurement centres, such as those in Singapore, to promote the import of parts and components from the region. It also shows that while the Japanese government has taken measures to liberalise investment and encourage inflows of foreign direct investment, a number of serious impediments to investment still remain. The book also argues that technology transfer in the electronics industry has essentially been market driven, that is, driven by market competition.
