AZEC Ministerial Meeting
The Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) convenes the AZEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM), the decision-making body which is consisting of the ministers in charge of energy transition of AZEC Partner Countries.
In principle, AMM would convene annually. The Chair of AMM may decide to call additional meetings on an ad hoc basis. AMM may decide on the key activities under the AZEC, its long-term strategies, and others relevant issues. AMM would be convened with the attendance of all AZEC Ministers including their proxies and via online.
AZEC Ministerial Meeting 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.
Bilateral Meeting
Hydrogen supply chain to be advanced between Australia and Japan
Meeting between State Minister Nakatani and Hon. Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Australia asked for an understanding regarding ensuring a stable supply of LNG and coal, and discussed cooperating on the AZEC concept and in clean energy fields, including hydrogen, synthetic methane, ammonia, and CCUS. With the substantial support of the Japanese government, Japan’s first hydrogen supply chain will be established, linking Victoria, Australia with the major industrial hub of Kawasaki, Japan.
On March 3, 2023, the Japanese developers agreed to proceed with project, and a memorandum of understanding was signed for this purpose between Japan Suiso Energy, Ltd., Iwatani Corporation, Electric Power Development Co. Ltd., and Sumitomo Corporation with the presence of Minister Nishimura, Mr. Hiroaki Ishizuka, Chairman of NEDO, Hon. Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia, Hon. Justin Hayhurst, Australian Ambassador to Japan, and Hon. Tim Pallas, Treasurer of Victoria.