Major Projects to Promote Economic Development Kyushu has already introduced a number of initiatives designed to upgrade the region's industrial capabilities. These include a technopolis project,the "brain center" project, and foreign access zone (FAZ) plans. The region is also committed to the development of cities that function as core regional centers and have well-developed infrastructures and other features that support business and industrial activities. Initiatives to promote economic development   FAZs (foreign access zones) Technopolis project "Brain center"project Fukuoka 1 * 1 1 Saga     Nagasaki 1 1 1 Kumamoto 1 1   Oita 1 1 1 Miyazaki   1 1 Kagoshima   1 1 Kyushu 4 6 5 Nationwide 21 26 26 * The Kurume-Tosu Technopolis Project spans the border between Fukuoka and Saga Prefectures. FAZ(foreign access zone) plans The foreign access zone(FAZ)project aims at promoting importation by integrating import-related facilities and businesses of seaports, airports and nearby areas. FAZ plans assist in the development of an infrastructure for importation and provide related information. Four locations within Kyushu have been designated as FAZs by the national government. Technopolis project This is a project designed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to build up an integrated, high-technology city through organically arranging groups of advanced technological industries, universities and R&D institutes around core regional cities. Six locations within Kyushu have been approved for this project by the national government. They are actively working to realize the plan, which promotes the advancement of regional technology, the region's originality and inter-regional communication. "Brain center" project MITI is promoting the development of the "brain" of regional industries which include science research laboratories, software industries and information services. By establishing a favorable business environment and land infrastructure, MITI is aiming at the advancement of regional industries. Five locations within Kyushu have been approved for the project by the national government.