9th JOPCA Seminar / Seminar on Internationalization of Technical Standards

Yoshiaki Higuchi (Mr.)

Planning Committee

Oriental Consultants Co., Ltd.

On November 7th, 2018, JOPCA held the "Seminar on Internationalization of Technical Standards ~ Focusing Mainly on Port Sector ~" in association with the International Center (IAC) of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE). The Venue was the JSCE hall where around hundred (100) audiences from wider fields than usual JOPCA solo seminar gathered.

At the beginning, Dr. Yutaka Sunohara, Vice President of the JSCE made an opening speech, followed by brief introductory explanation on the seminar by Mr. Takao kakei, Deputy Chief, IAC.

Dr. Yutaka Sunohara, Vice President of the JSCE

Mr. Takao kakei, Deputy Chief, IAC

The first speaker, Mr. Sinya Mori, Director of Engineering Management Office, Ports and Harbors Bureau, MLIT, picked up the topic of "Activities for Internationalization of Technical Standards by MLIT". He explained the various aspects including bilateral cooperation, multi-lateral cooperation such as international port related organizations like PIANC and conventions, translation of Technical Standards of Port and Harbor's Facilities (English version), and studies on overseas technical standards.

Mr. Sinya Mori, Director of Engineering Management Office, Ports and Harbors Bureau, MLIT

The second speaker was Dr. Masashi Miyata, Port Facilities Division, Ports and Harbors Department, National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management (NILIM). He talked on the article: "Toward the Internationalization of "Technical Standards and Commentaries for Port and Harbor Facilities in Japan" ~ Today・ Issues・Tomorrow", reporting the difficulties and lessons learnt through the supporting process of compiling the Vietnamese Port Technical Standards. Further, he touched upon the recent works of translating the recently revised Technical Standards for Port and Harbors Facilities, and his intention to make a Users' Manual which facilitates the overseas users to utilize the revised Standards.

Dr. Masashi Miyata, Port Facilities Division, Ports and Harbors Department, National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management (NILIM)

Thirdly, titling "Examples of Adoption of Technical Standards in Various Countries and Some Design Cases of Port Facilities", Mr. Yoshimi Yamamoto, Director, Overseas Business, Japan Port Consultants Co., Ltd, which and how technical standards were used in 8 cases in 7 countries; Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, India, Qatar, Egypt and Morocco.

Mr. Yoshimi Yamamoto, Director, Overseas Business, Japan Port Consultants Co., Ltd

After a break, titling "A Design Case of Steel Pile according to Japanese and EU Technical Standards", Mr. Masafumi Ito, Chief Engineer, International Dept. Echo Co., Ltd talked about comparison between design cases: one accorded to the Japanese Technical Standards and another the EU Standards for a yen loan project in an African French speaking country.

Mr. Masafumi Ito, Chief Engineer, International Dept. Echo Co., Ltd

Final Speaker was Dr. Osamu Kusakabe, Chaiman, International Press-in Association (IPA). Titling "A Case of Internationalization of Japan Originated Technology", he talked about his experience in internationalization of Japanese original technologies such as Deep Mixing Method for ground improvement and Press-in Method (steel piles and sheet piles are pressed into the ground, using static load). He concluded that when marketing Japanese original technologies to overseas, industry sector, government and academic community should closely cooperate and disseminate information to overseas market through making technical standards, increasing the number of implementation, preparing textbooks and handbooks in English, and holding overseas seminars.

Dr. Osamu Kusakabe, Chaiman, International Press-in Association (IPA)

After five (5) lectures, there were many questions and comments from the floor, all of them were very precious and informative.

Lastly, Mr. Heizo Kito, Chairman of Japan Transport Consultants Association (JTCA) and Former JOPCA Director, made a closing remarks, saying that JOPCA would have other opportunities when members could exchange their views and experiences.

After the seminar, JOPCA hosted a networking party of thirty (30) participants.