Japan desperate for any kind of fuel

May 4, 2013

Japan's trade chief seeks foreign energy sources

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20130505_03.html

Japan's energy situation is leading its trade minister to try to secure new sources of fuel.

Japan's liquefied natural gas imports have increased sharply since the nuclear accident in Fukushima two years ago. The surge is a major factor in the country's trade deficit.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is visiting South America and the United States.

In his speech in Washington, he said he believes that the US government will soon approve exports of shale gas to Japan.

The US government restricts shale gas exports to countries that have not signed a free trade agreement with the nation.

During his visits to Colombia and Brazil, Motegi agreed with energy officials in the 2 countries to strengthen cooperation in energy sectors.

But he noticed that the South American countries lack the robust infrastructure to export oil and other energy resources to Asia.

Japan is competing with emerging economies where energy demand continues to expand.