Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: In a round robin Cabinet meeting today the details of the Government’s involvement in the construction of a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory at Nagasaki University were approved. Could you tell us how the Government will assist the development of this facility?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As was announced today at 4:00 p.m., based on the outcome of recent discussions with the mayor of Nagasaki City and the vice governor of Nagasaki Prefecture, the Government has decided the details of assistance that will be provided. These include specific details on assistance by relevant ministries and agencies to ensure safety at the facility, measures to respond to accidents or disaster situations, Government guidance on the creation of third-party monitoring mechanisms to assess measures by Nagasaki University, and Government assistance relating to bio-safety and bio-security measures. I have received a report that in the coming days the city and prefectural governments will be engaging with Nagasaki University in further consultations. Based on the outcome of those consultations the Government will also engage actively in the process going forward.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Recently the first meeting of the Task-force on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was held, which was formed for the purpose of expediting negotiations towards an early conclusion of the Japan-EU EPA. In an environment in which we are seeing increasingly protectionist tendencies around the world, could you tell us about the importance of accelerating Japan-EU discussions and the significance of the early realization of the EPA?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government has engaged in efforts diligently up until now with a view to concluding the EPA by the end of the year. In order to make this a reality, the Task-force structure has been created, with meetings attended by ministers concerned. The Government is seeking to conclude the agreement by the end of the year, demonstrating its strong resolve to promote free trade in a world where protectionist moves are being seen.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Do you expect that if the Japan-EU EPA were to be realized it would also boost momentum towards the entry into force of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Naturally as the TPP is also a free trade agreement, I expect that it would have such an influence, yes.

(Abridged)