Press Conference by Minister Seko (excerpted version)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purpose only.

9:25 - 9:37 a.m.
Tuesday, April 5, 2019
Press Conference Room, METI

Question-and-Answer Session

Arrest of Carlos Ghosn

Q: Nissan's former chairman Carlos Ghosn was arrested again. I think it is extremely unusual for a person on bail to be rearrested. Would you tell us what your thoughts are on what the impact will be on future Japan-France relations and the Nissan-Renault alliance?

A: As this relates to judicial decisions and investigations, I would like to refrain from making comments as the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
In general terms, however, Japan and France have been maintaining close relations in various areas such as politics, economy, national security and culture, and I do not believe that this issue will have any special impact on Japan-France relations.
In addition, Nissan and Renault are currently discussing concrete measures to maintain and strengthen their alliance. Nissan is also making progress in improving its governance. There is no change in my belief that it is important for them to proceed with discussions on how to maintain and strengthen the alliance in a manner that is fully satisfied with all parties concerned.

Meeting on a Long-Term Strategy under the Paris Agreement as a Growth Strategy

Q: The Meeting on a Long-Term Strategy under the Paris Agreement as a Growth Strategy was held and proposals were submitted at the Prime Minister's Office. They lay out the direction that, over the long term, Japan is to aim for a zero-emission society from 2050 onwards. Would you tell us what your thoughts are on this? As such a strategy and energy policy, including the Strategic Energy Plan, are two sides of the same coin, I would also like to ask about the direction of policy development.

A: I believe we had a very good discussion in the meeting. I value that the proposal report considered in considerable detail the 80% reduction of GHG emissions by 2050 based on the Paris Agreement, particularly in terms of innovation and technological development which will support the steady implementation of such a reduction. In addition, also based on recent discussions of the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, the proposal report includes calls for zero, or carbon-free, emissions from 2050 onward. I believe this is quite a serious statement.
In that sense, I recognize that METI has much to tackle. In particular, I believe that it is necessary to carefully develop the details of what kind of funding specifically supports innovation, what kind of roles the public and private sectors should share, and what kind of schedule should be pursued in the future.
At any rate, I believe it is extremely significant that, under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office, not only METI but also the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were able to work together to successfully compile these proposals.