March 6, 2023
On March 4 (Sat.), 2023, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) held the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting. In addition, the AZEC Public-Private Investment Forum was held on March 3 (Fri.) to create and accelerate concrete cooperation as part of the AZEC concept. Mr. Nishimura Yasutoshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Nakatani Shinichi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Mr. Satomi Ryuji, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, held meetings with ministers of various countries and others who were visiting Japan on this occasion and exchanged views including on cooperation toward decarbonization.
Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting
Minister Nishimura chaired the ministerial meeting, during which he made remarks on the importance of decarbonization in Asia, the concept of Asia Zero Emission Community and concrete efforts by Japan. Mr. Nishimura Akihiro, Minister of Environment, and participants from various countries and international organizations made remarks on views toward decarbonization and their expectations for AZEC, and other topics. In addition, Prime Minister Kishida who advocated the AZEC concept gave a video message. In addition, the participants launched AZEC as a platform and agreed to AZEC joint statement including the three following common views:
(1) Advancing cooperation towards carbon neutrality/net-zero emissions while ensuring energy security,
(2) Promoting energy transition while achieving economic growth, and
(3) Recognizing there are various and practical pathways toward carbon neutrality/net-zero emissions depending on the circumstances of each country.
After the ministerial meeting, Minister Nishimura issued ”Chair’s Summary” that reflects the comments and opinions expressed in the ministerial meeting under his responsibility as the Chair.
