Japan sees possibility of nuclear technology export at some later stage

[Neo]

Japan sees possibility of nuclear technology export at some later stage

ISLAMABAD (June 30 2010): Japan has initiated talks on export of nuclear technology with India on exceptional basis, in line with international obligations, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Chihiro Atsumi said. He said this during his lecture on the subject titled 'Japan in the changing world and its policy towards Asia'. Institute of Strategic Studies arranged the lecture on Tuesday and it was attended by a select gathering.

The Ambassador confirmed that three Japanese companies, namely Hitachi, Toshiba and Mitsubishi, have begun a dialogue with India to transfer nuclear equipment, material and technology to meet its energy deficit. The Japanese government believes that India has met all the safety standards, is following the guidelines of IAEA and world nuclear associations while dealing with nuclear technology. "Japan wishes that the world would use nuclear power for peaceful purposes, and India is an exception for Japanese export of this technology", he remarked.

About Japan's readiness to transfer nuclear power to Pakistan for energy generation, he said that China is transferring nuclear technology to Pakistan for building nuclear power plants to meet energy shortfall. Besides, there are certain international obligations which Japan is strictly following. However, he stated that there was a possibility of export of nuclear technology to Pakistan by Japan at some later stage. Japan has been engaged in supporting Pakistan produce electricity through thermal, alternative energy resources and hydropower, he added.

Talking about Pak-India relations, he said the relationship between the two neighbouring countries is strategically important for the South Asian region. "The stability and peace in Asia can not be sustained without their meaningful bilateral relations", he said.

Admiring Pakistan's contribution to the war against terror, he said that world can not get peace without the co-operation and sacrifice of Pakistan. He also emphasised that security is a prerequisite for foreign investment and foreign inflow. Pakistan needs to further strengthen democracy in the country. "We want to see peace and prosperity in the region which depends on improved relationship between Pakistan-Afghanistan and Pakistan-India", he added.

The Ambassador said in April 2008 during the Friends of Democratic Pakistan meeting in Tokyo, Japan had pledged $2 billion for Pakistan and this amount would be invested in development projects in two years. He stressed that mid-term and long-term planning must involve private sector's participation in development progress. "Japanese companies are showing their interest in investment in Pakistan but are deterred by bad security and inconsistencies in government investment policies," he said.

He informed the audience about Japan's economic growth. He said the global economic recession also hit his country badly. Japan's share in global GDP dropped to 8.9 percent in 2008 from 14.8 percent in 1990. Similarly, budget deficit was swelling as public sector debt is around 200 percent.

Business Recorder [Pakistan's First Financial Daily]