In view of this goal, it is necessary for Japan to actively support developing countries in their efforts to increase food production. Furthermore, assistance for the agricultural sector, including assistance for food production and rural development, can play a crucial role in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.

In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.

— Japan will provide materials and equipment for food production and support agricultural and fisheries production through the construction of irrigation and other facilities. In addition, Japan will support infrastructure development and distribution management for improving access to markets.

— Japan will emphasize support for varietal improvement and other agricultural and fishery technologies, and will provide assistance for the effective dissemination of these technologies.

— Japan will pay special attention to the organization of local residents and the improvement of administrative capacities with regard to the dissemination of agricultural and other technologies and the management of agricultural and other water resources.

— Japan will appropriately utilize food assistance as an important measure in cases of emergency.

## (4) Energy

Global energy demand is projected to increase sharply as a result of economic development in Asia and other developing regions. As such, energy problems constitute a global-scale policy issue that is closely related to the response to global environmental problems and the achievement of sustainable development. Moreover, in many developing countries, securing access to adequate energy supplies constitutes a vital challenge in the realization of economic development. As Japan is heavily dependent on the importation of energy and mineral resources, the provision of assistance in these fields is important for Japan from the perspective of ensuring stable resource supplies.

In light of the above, Japan will provide the following forms of support.

— Japan will provide assistance to energy-related infrastructure projects that cannot readily attract private-sector investment and other official flows (OOF), including oil, natural gas, electric power, and liquefied coal development projects. Japan will also step up its support for the achievement of sustainable development through energy saving.

— To reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by developing countries while achieving sustainable development, Japan will support the following measures: energy saving, the utilization of solar and wind power and other renewable energy sources, the introduction of coal-related technologies with reduced environmental burden, and the preservation and development of forests as a source of firewood.

— In the area of mineral resources, Japan has provided technical and financial support for mining projects in major supplying countries while paying due attention to environmental concerns. With the growth of regional and international interest in environmental problems, Japan will continue to provide assistance and support, including support for environmental impact studies of mining projects.

## (5) Drug Abuse

Both developed and developing countries face the issue of drug abuse. It is also essential to mount an internationally coordinated fight against drugs that includes the cooperation of