Inside Report (2)

Look for a new Japanese import -- "joint ventures." Already there's been talk of a Fordtoyota linkup in the auto business. but the Japanese are also offering their technical and marketing expertise in other industries: television equipment, steel, microcomputers, and silicon chips.

Proud US firms may not be eager to buy Japan's joint-venture idea, which is being promoted around the country by diplomats and trade delegations. But Japan is prepared to wait. It has launched a media campaign telling American consumers that imports benefit everyone by forcing US firms to lower their prices and upgrade their products.m