Japan PM contender Kono wants renewable energy, 5G to be focus of stimulus package

TOKYO: Japan’s vaccine minister Taro Kono, running to replace Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, said on Thursday any new economic stimulus measures should prioritise spending on renewable energy and expansion of 5G networks nationwide.

He declined to say how much spending would be appropriate, saying the government must lay out targeted areas before debating how big the package should be.

“There shouldn’t be a pre-determined size of the stimulus package. There needs to be a list of priorities, such as steps to promote renewable energy and expand 5G networks nationwide,” he told a group interview.