Press Conference by Minister Saito (Excerpt)

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

10:49 to 10:55 a.m.
Friday, July 26, 2024
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Supporting next-generation semiconductors

Q: I would like to ask you about support for the mass production of next-generation semiconductors.
The day before yesterday, Prime Minister Kishida visited the Rapidus Corporation semiconductor plant construction site in Hokkaido and told the press that the government will swiftly submit to the Diet a bill for the act necessary for the mass production of next-generation semiconductors and that the related ministries will start discussions on the specifics of the bill and the timing of submitting the bill to the Diet. It has been reported that this bill will include government-guaranteed private loans to Rapidus Corporation. As the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is in charge of this bill, could you make a comment on what type of bill METI intends to prepare and around when METI plans to submit the bill to the Diet, based on current information?

A:The day before yesterday, Prime Minister Kishida made a comment concerning the bill for the act necessary for the mass production of next-generation semiconductors that the related ministries and agencies will start discussions on the specifics of the bill and the timing of submitting it to the Diet.
As the government, the Basic Policy 2024 stipulates the following in order to sustainably expand investments in the fields of AI and semiconductors: “While securing the necessary financial sources for investing in such (AI and semiconductors) fields, large-scale systematic investment support based on priority of necessity, including mass production and research and development among others, will be put in place over multiple fiscal years. To this end, in addition to discussing the legislative measures necessary for the mass production of next-generation semiconductors, advancement of discussions on diversifying support methods, including expanding the use of necessary investments and loans, will take place”.
We have not yet finalized the specifics of the bill or the timing of submitting the bill to the Diet for the mass production of next-generation semiconductors, which was the main focus of your question. As such, I cannot tell you about the bill as of today, but we will strive to advance related discussions so that we can submit it to the Diet as soon as possible.
In any case, semiconductors are the most important technology that supports Japan in ensuring digitization, decarbonization, and economic security. Therefore, METI will thoroughly discuss ideal approaches to the supporting measures for the technology, taking into account the instruction of the Prime Minister and the Basic Policies.

Circular economy

Q: I would like to ask you about two points related to the circular economy.
Prime Minister Kishida during his visit to Karuizawa the other day mentioned  the  holding of a meeting of ministers towards a promotion measure concerning the circular economy. It is my understanding that you may become a member of that meeting. The development of a circular economy has recently been highly anticipated  from the perspectives not only of carbon neutrality but also of economic security and regional vitalization. Could you provide a comment regarding the significance of the government enhancing its efforts to realize a circular economy at this time, if you are aware of such significance? Also, regarding issues that need to be solved for now involving the circular economy: I know there are many issues involved in this field, such as the cost of virgin raw materials.

A: As the government is now intending to establish an organization to examine such issues, I would like to refrain from commenting on the details. However, I believe that promoting the circular economy is a very important policy issue for Japan, and METI would like to strongly contribute to its promotion as an organization that plays an important role in its achievement.