The Japanese government has proposed a mechanism for allowing the state to temporarily take over factories for products essential to people's daily lives in the event of an emergency, as part of efforts to bolster the country's economic security.

The proposal was presented at a meeting of a government panel of experts on Tuesday.

Under the economic security promotion law, the government can take necessary steps when the private sector faces difficulties in producing a stable supply of what the country designates as specified critical products. The items include semiconductors and storage batteries.

The proposed mechanism would specify these items as "special critical products" in times of emergencies, such as infectious disease outbreaks or when other countries impose export restrictions. To ensure stable supplies for such products, the government would be able to temporarily acquire manufacturers' factories and facilities and commission production by the private sector, including other companies.

The government plans to advance discussions so that the Cabinet can approve the proposal early next year. But challenges will likely lie ahead over details about conditions that would trigger the measure, since the government would be heavily involved in supply chains.

Additionally, the panel members are considering a plan for security screening of medical facilities to prevent cyberattacks. They plan to compile the plan by around next summer.