A long distance ferry service went into operation in July 1999 to facilitate travel between Akita and Tomakomai, Niigata and Tsuruga.

In August 1999, a shipping route between Akita and the Russian port city of Posyet was established. Since Posyet is located near China, traveling distance and time between Akita and Far Eastern Russia, or Northeast China have been significantly reduced. We expect the new route, along with the one that already exists between Akita and Pusan in Korea, will contribute to an increase in trade with these regions.

Akita Port is a major distribution hub in the northern part of the Japan Sea, and is well equipped with gantry cranes and unloaders for handling freight. With the increasing amount of import and export cargo in this port, Akita Port has become more and more important for the region's trade and business.

Akita Prefecture opened an office in Dalian, China in April to promote trade and support businesses in Akita that are interested in doing business overseas. The office conducts market surveys and business tours, and also gathers and offers business-related information.

Akita Prefecture is working hard, with the cooperation of private companies, to establish a stronger base in Japan for trade with other countries located around the Sea of Japan. To accomplish this, we are expanding trade, establishing various transportation networks, and training personnel.

Airline between Akita and Seoul will open in summer 2001. International exchanges in Pan-Japan Sea area is expected to evolve into a new stage.