Press Conference by Minister Nishimura (Excerpt)

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

9:35-9:45 a.m.
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Question-and-Answer Session

Storage Batteries

Q: Last week, the Japanese and Canadian governments discussed the possibility of forming a comprehensive partnership for developing battery resources. The ministers of the Canadian government have shown a very positive stance with a view toward reaching an agreement around the time the G7 Ministerial Meeting will be held.

A: Last week, a public-private mission comprised of METI and 16 companies related to storage batteries visited Canada. They discussed the possibility of cooperating with the government of Canada to build a sustainable and resilient storage battery supply chain. I will refrain from providing detailed answers, as this includes diplomatic exchanges, but as you know, Canada has an abundance of battery metals and market access to the United States thanks to the USMCA. Given that we must consider how to address the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act), Canada is one of the most important countries for Japan in terms of strengthening the storage battery supply chain.
 I also exchanged views with Minister Champagne at the end of last year. We will utilize various opportunities including the G7 to communicate closely and make efforts in order to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.