Regarding the construction cost of the venue for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the Exposition Association, which is the organizer of the project, that it will be about 450 billion yen more than before, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura stated that the construction cost is under scrutiny, and reiterated his intention to discuss the response among the national government, Osaka Prefecture and City, and the business community if the cost rises.
The construction cost of the venue for the Osaka-Kansai Expo to be held next year was previously expected to be 1850 billion yen, but against the backdrop of soaring material prices and labor costs, the Exposition Association, which is the main organizer, has compiled a forecast that it will be about 450 billion yen, about 2300 billion yen more than before, and construction costs are expected to deviate upward.
Regarding this, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura stated at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on March 26, "The construction cost is currently being scrutinized by the Exposition Association, and we are not at the stage where we can comment on whether or not there will be an increase or the amount at this point."
On top of that, he stated that "after thoroughly confirming the details of the scrutiny, the national government, local governments, and the business community will discuss the response if necessary" in the event that construction costs rise and the burden on the public increases, reiterating his intention to discuss the response among the national government, Osaka Prefecture, the city, and the business community.