Press Conference by Minister Muto (Excerpt)

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

10:56-11:02 a.m.
Friday, November 1, 2024
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Supporting next-generation semiconductors

Q: The Committee on New Direction of Economic and Industrial Policies held a meeting the other day and stated that Japan should provide the semiconductor sector with large-scale, strategic support over multiple fiscal years while securing the necessary financial resources for the sector. I believe that the government has been advancing large-scale support of four trillion yen over three years through the establishment of a fund. Could you comment on the differences between future and conventional support measures and also on whether measures other than the existing frameworks are necessary or not? In addition, could you explain your view on the financial resources?

A: As you pointed out, the Committee on the New Direction of Economic and Industrial Policies under the Industrial Structure Council and the Council of New Form of Capitalism Realization each recently held a meeting, and they announced a policy that Japan will provide the AI and semiconductor sectors with large-scale, strategic support over multiple fiscal years while securing the necessary financial resources for the sectors.
Regarding the specific details you have just asked about, including financial resources, the government is now in the process of deliberations, so I would like to refrain from answering at this time.
In any case, we will continue to carefully hold deliberations on the framework for strengthening the competitiveness of the AI and semiconductor sectors. Accordingly, I hope you understand that we must leave this issue as it stands for the time being.