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Enhancing the Productivity of the Service Sector in Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Randall S. Jones

    (OECD)

  • Taesik Yoon

    (OECD)

Abstract

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. Améliorer la productivité dans le secteur des services au Japon La croissance de la productivité du travail dans le secteur des services, qui représente 70 % de la production économique et de l’emploi au Japon, s’est sensiblement ralentie ces dernières années contrairement à l’évolution observée dans le secteur manufacturier. Ces résultats décevants sont associés à la faiblesse de la concurrence dans les services imputable à la rigueur de la réglementation des marchés de produits, au faible niveau de pénétration des importations et au manque de dynamisme des investissements directs de l’étranger (IDE). Le ralentissement de la croissance de la productivité dans le secteur des services doit absolument être inversé pour accroître le potentiel de croissance du Japon. Il est indispensable d’éliminer les obstacles à l’entrée, d’accélérer la réforme de la réglementation, de renforcer la politique de concurrence et de réduire les obstacles au commerce et aux entrées d’IDE. Une attention particulière devrait être accordée aux facteurs limitant la croissance de la productivité dans les services caractérisés soit par une faible productivité, soit par un potentiel de croissance élevé, comme le commerce de détail, les transports, l’énergie et les services aux entreprises. Enfin, il est essentiel d’accroître la concurrence dans les services publics, comme la santé et l’éducation, où les forces du marché ont peu joué.

Suggested Citation

  • Randall S. Jones & Taesik Yoon, 2008. "Enhancing the Productivity of the Service Sector in Japan," OECD Economics Department Working Papers 651, OECD Publishing.
  • Handle: RePEc:oec:ecoaaa:651-en
    DOI: 10.1787/230272412875
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    Cited by:

    1. Kiyoyasu Tanaka, 2009. "Producer Services and Manufacturing Productivity: Evidence from Japan Industrial Productivity Database," Global COE Hi-Stat Discussion Paper Series gd09-076, Institute of Economic Research, Hitotsubashi University.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    air transport; Business service; commerce de service; competition policy; croissance de la productivité; distribution de détail; electricity; foreign direct investment; gas; gaz; harbours; investissement direct étranger; Japan; Japan Post; Japon; JFTC; JFTC; politique de la concurrence; ports; poste japonaise.; productivity and growth; public services; regulatory reforms; retail sector; réforme réglementaire; secteur de service; service aux entreprises; service sector; services trade; special zones; transport aérien; zones spéciales; électricité;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R21 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Housing Demand
    • R31 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Housing Supply and Markets

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