In view of the world's long-term prospects regarding the supply and demand of energy, coal is a very precious resource from the standpoint of obtaining energy, although there are problems with coal utilization, such as the problem of carbon dioxide emission. Being the largest importer of coal in the world, and possessing excellent coal-related technology, Japan must respond positively to the following subjects.
a) Stable supply and demand of coal internationally, and the stable supply of coal to Japan, in order to meet future increased demand for coal.
b) Utilization of coal through the application of new technology, in the global environ-mental problems and other problems.
c) International cooperation in the development and utilization of coal, as well as in finding solution to the environmental problems related to coal.
For those purpose, initially we will take two main action in next year. One is estab-lishing the clean coal technology center in the New Energy and Industry Technology De-velopment Organization; the other is studying feasibility to built a suitable demonstration system of coal utilization technology in China.