Press Conference by Minister Hagiuda (Excerpt)

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

9:38-9:42 a.m.
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
In front of the Cabinet Room, 2nd floor,
National Diet Building

Question-and-Answer Session

Advanced Semiconductors

Q: A bill amending the 5G and NEDO-related Acts was approved and passed yesterday. It seems that authorization standards for granting subsidies will be established in the future. What efforts are you making toward this, and what kind of system will this likely be?

A: After intensive deliberations in the Diet, a bill amending the so-called 5G promotion Act and the NEDO Act was approved and passed yesterday.
On the basis that Japan would not get a second chance to recover the semiconductor industry base, we will continue to build a stable supply system for advanced semiconductors—including the authorization criteria you mentioned—and I would like to promptly develop detailed designs for this system.
This law is just the first step toward reviving Japan's semiconductor industry. We will continue promoting comprehensive efforts to strengthen the semiconductor industry base. This is not only intended for the recent advanced semiconductor support; it also includes supporting the existing semiconductor industry, research and development of next-generation semiconductors through international collaboration (which also involves the materials industry), and human resource development.

ALPS Treated Water

Q: TEPCO announced yesterday that it would issue a development plan today toward releasing ALPS treated water. Please give us your thoughts on this matter.

A: TEPCO has been considering building facilities to ensure safety for the disposal of ALPS treated water in accordance with the government's basic policy, and they have been giving careful explanations to stakeholders.
I understand that today, TEPCO will submit a plan for such facilities to the Nuclear Regulation Authority for its approval.
The Authority will soon begin examining the plan. I would like to call upon TEPCO to take firm action to ensure complete safety.

Business and Human Rights

Q: The US Senate has passed a bill limiting imports from the Uygur region, and it will be enforced as soon as the President signs it.
The Chairman of Keidanren expressed some concerns yesterday, and some in the business world are also worried. What are your current thoughts on this? Are there any measures under consideration?

A: I understand that the bill you pointed out prohibits importing goods produced in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as a general rule, and it also lists organizations involved in forced labor in the region as well as goods that are subject to strict control by priority.
As we have yet to know the details, I would like to refrain from commenting on any implications for Japanese companies at this stage; however, METI will continue to properly collect and provide necessary information.