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Japan eyeing business potential n-sector

New Delhi: Though Japan is yet to firm up its position with regard to Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver for India, it is eyeing the business potential in the lucrative nuclear energy sector in this country if exemptions are granted to New Delhi.

“The Japanese industries do have cutting edge advanced nuclear power generation technology. Certainly we think our companies are as competitive as any other companies abroad to do business in India,” Press Secretary of Japan’s Foreign Ministry Kazuo Kodama told PTI here.

The comment assumes significance as Japan, a member of NSG, maintains officially that it is yet to firm up its position with regard to the waiver issue although it understands the energy needs of India.

The official said there would be “huge opportunities” in the sector in India but refused to discuss the extent, saying “it is too early to comment elaborately on the issue.”

“I do not deny that there will be huge business opportunities,” said Kodama, Director General of Press and Public Relations in Foreign Affairs Ministry who was here last week.

Asked what would be Japan’s stand during the crucial August 21-22 meeting, he evaded a direct reply but indicated that Japan would not pose any hurdle at the NSG. Japan “understands India’s need for nuclear energy... The issue requires “sensible approach by all parties,” Mr. Kodama said.

“Japan intends to actively participate in the discussion on the nuclear deal at meeting with a comprehensive viewpoint that will strengthen non-proliferation regime. When we joined consensus at the IAEA, we appreciated India’s need for nuclear energy. We understand India’s compulsion to develop nuclear energy,” he said. — PTI

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