Enhancing the Productivity of the Service Sector in Japan

Randall S. Jonesi ; Taesik Yooni iOECD

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

关键词: Japan;    public services;    productivity and growth;    electricity;    foreign direct investment;    gas;    special zones;    retail sector;    regulatory reforms;    service sector;    harbours;    JFTC;    Business service;    air transport;    services trade;    Japan Post;    competition policy;   

DOI  :  https://doi.org/10.1787/230272412875

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: OECD iLibrary

【 摘 要 】

Labour productivity growth in the service sector, which accounts for 70% of Japan’s economic output and employment, has slowed markedly in recent years in contrast to manufacturing. The disappointing performance is associated with weak competition in the service sector resulting from strict product market regulation and the low level of import penetration and inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). Reversing the deceleration in productivity growth in the service sector is essential to raise Japan’s growth potential. The key is to eliminate entry barriers, accelerate regulatory reform, upgrade competition policy and reduce barriers to trade and inflows of FDI. Special attention should be given to factors limiting productivity growth in services characterised by either low productivity or high growth potential, such as retail, transport, energy and business services. Finally, it is essential to increase competition in public services, such as health and education, where market forces have been weak.