THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN

Bonn, 12 - 16 June 2000
SBSTA 12 - Agenda 9

DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES
(a) STATUS OF THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS (DECISION 4/CP.4)

1. Japan appreciates the efforts of the Chairman of SBSTA and the secretariat to advance the consultative process on technology transfer through the completion of the three regional workshops. Japan also appreciates the efforts of IPCC to produce a well informed comprehensive report on issues of technology transfer. Information from those workshops and the IPCC report as well as the Chairman's note will contribute to our consideration of possible elements of the framework for effective actions to enhance the implementation of Article 4.5 of the Convention.
2. Recognizing the importance of promoting and facilitating technology transfer to enable developing countries to implement the provisions of the Convention, Japan has been conducting various cooperative activities and programmes in this field. For example, the Kyoto Initiative of ODA, which is made up of three pillars, accelerates technology transfer by technical assistance as well as financial assistance. The Green Aid Plan (GAP), which aims at achieving both economic development and environmental protection in Asia; environmental policy dialogues through ECO ASIA and annual Asia Pacific Seminars; exchange of information through APNET; project-type technical cooperation as well as training courses focused on environmental technologies. Furthermore, Japan is actively promoting technology dissemination under the Climate Technology Initiative (CTI) . Also, Japan made a financial contribution in the amount of US$ 100,000 to the technology transfer workshop in Asia.
3. At this session, SB 12, we need to deliberate on how to further the consultative process taking fully into account the outcome I mentioned. To do that, we should bear in mind the following three points. First, it is important to maintain the continuity of and linkage to the existing schemes and projects, which have been carried out by developed countries and GEF since the entry into force of the Convention. Secondly, assessment should be made sufficiently on such schemes and projects in order to respond to specific needs of developing countries more effectively. Thirdly, specific needs of least developed countries and vulnerable countries should be given high priority in view of their severe circumstances. In addition, Japan notes that CDM would advance technology transfer to help achieve sustainable development of developing countries while contributing to the objective of the Convention.
4. After this session, we should constructively submit our views on the possible framework for the implementation of meaningful and effective actions. Bearing this in mind, Japan is eager to participate in the deliberations on how to move forward the consultative process toward COP6 at this session.