Press Conference by Minister Nishimura (Excerpt)

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

9:36-9:42 a.m.
Friday, March 3, 2023
In front of the Cabinet Room, 2nd floor,
National Diet Building

Opening Remarks

Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC)

Tomorrow, on April 4, the first Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting will be held. Prior to the meeting, we will hold the AZEC Public-Private Investment Forum jointly with Keidanren this afternoon with government agencies and company representatives invited from Japan and abroad to introduce the companies' technologies and efforts as well as government-affiliated institutions' support measures.
We are in an unprecedented energy crisis. The world is in a difficult situation in which we must endeavor to achieve carbon neutrality while ensuring energy security.
However, since the energy situation is different in each country, it is important to proceed with realistic energy transitions that are appropriate for each country's situation. In Asia, which is the engine of global growth, it is especially crucial to achieve energy transitions while simultaneously driving economic growth.
AZEC is a platform composed of Asian countries that share views on decarbonization and strive to achieve carbon neutrality. It aims to promote cooperation based on mutual trust.
At the Ministerial Meeting and Public-Private Investment Forum, I will request that each country and organization make efforts to accelerate their energy transitions. I would also like to thoroughly discuss our expectations for the Asia Zero Emission Community as well as future policies and efforts regarding this platform.