Today, LinkinPolitics has the honour to host an interview with a Japanese high official, H.E. Mr. TAKEUCHI Shinji, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.
Georgescu Radu: How do you perceive the current economic relationship between Japan and Romania, and what areas do you see as having the most potential for growth, given the fact that you will pay a visit to Romania in early November?
TAKEUCHI Shinji: In addition to four government-affiliated organizations, 16 Japanese companies are participating in this business mission, which I believe shows the high level of interest Japanese companies have in Romania.
Romania, has achieved a high economic growth rate, and further development is expected in the future. Romania also shares a border with Ukraine, and I believe that cooperation between Japan and Romania is important from the perspective of supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction.
G.R.: Can you share any specific initiatives or projects that may arise from this delegation aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment?
T.S.: At this time’s visit, we’ve organized the Japan-Romania Energy Forum together with the Embassy of Japan in Romania and JETRO Bucharest. We welcomed the fact that exchanges between the two countries have become increasingly active since the bilateral relationship was upgraded to a “strategic partnership” in March last year, including the visit of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to Romania, and the Japan-Romania Innovation Forum, and agreed to continue cooperation in various fields, including supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction.
In addition, the governments and government-related organizations of both countries explained the energy policies and financial support of both countries, and introduced how advanced technologies from various Japanese companies can greatly contribute to Romania’s energy transition. I hope that meaningful exchanges of opinions will continue between the two countries, which will lead to concrete cooperation projects.
R.G.: What role does technology and innovation play in the strengthening of economic ties between Japan and the European Union?
T.S.: The Japanese companies accompanying us this time have advanced technologies in fields such as hydrogen and ammonia, nuclear power, renewable energy, and CCS, and each of these fields has great potential for collaboration with Romanian companies. In other fields, Japanese companies, including the Japanese companies accompanying us this time, have world-class technologies in the efficient technologies for coal and gas-fired power plants. Climate change measures are urgently needed not only in Romania but throughout Europe, and we would like to contribute firmly in cooperation with Romania and the EU among various paths.
Mr. Takeuchi Shinji was appointed Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry on October 3, 2024. In this key role, Mr. Takeuchi will lead the coordination of ongoing government efforts dedicated to the economic revitalization of the Fukushima region. His responsibilities also include oversight of Green Transformation (GX) promoting Japan’s drive to transition to a decarbonized society while achieving economic growth.
Immediately prior to his current appointment, Mr. Takeuchi served as Chairman of the Special Committee on Disasters at the House of Councillors, the upper house of the National Diet of Japan. A representative of the Komeito political party, Mr. Takeuchi has served in House of Councillors since 2017.
Before seeking elected office, Mr. Takeuchi spent more than three decades at Komei Shimbun, a national newspaper, where he rose to the position of Deputy Managing Editor.
A graduate of Waseda University’s School of Political Science and Economics, Mr. Takeuchi was born on March 19, 1964, in Tokyo.
