InsideJapan News Network

Japanese exports are gaining thanks to global governments' environmentally friendly incentive schemes, reports the Associated Press.

The newswire notes that the benefits to people who purchase eco-conscious products currently include cash handouts in some places.

Figures from the Japanese Cabinet Office now show shipments of electronic goods to be up over the three months to the second quarter of 2009.

Compared with the first quarter, sales of products such as video players reached 6.3 per cent higher, with China significant among Japan's international export customers.

Overall, the year-on-year growth in the Japanese economy reported by the Cabinet Office stands at 3.7 per cent, placing it alongside other strong performers such as Germany.

In its monthly economic report for August 2009, the Cabinet Office adds that Japan's economy continues to look strong "while in a difficult situation".

Positivity is apparent among exports, industrial production and recent reports of private consumption, the office notes.

Written by Mark Smith