The Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement to acquire the former Nippon Steel site in Kure from Nippon Steel Corporation. The solicitation process for the area designated to attract private-sector businesses is expected to begin, while development proceeds to establish the Kure area as an important security hub.
The Ministry of Defense has signed a land acquisition agreement with Nippon Steel Corporation for the former Nippon Steel site in Kure. Following a basic agreement, the parties had been negotiating with the aim of completing an early bulk purchase, and the signing of this agreement formally confirms the acquisition of the land. The former Nippon Steel site forms part of a development plan for a multifunctional defense hub.
At a press conference, Defense Minister Koizumi (小泉) described the Kure area as an extremely important region from a national security perspective and said that developing the multifunctional defense hub would lead to a fundamental strengthening of Japan’s defense capabilities. Kure Mayor Niihara (新原) expressed hopes for positive developments in various areas, including expanded employment and increased tourism in the city.
The Ministry of Defense plans to promptly begin soliciting companies wishing to participate in the area designated to attract private-sector businesses. This is expected to give more concrete shape to development in the Kure area and generate spillover effects for local businesses.