1. Science Summit (Tuesday, June 27)

Under the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP), a program for funding international research in the field of life science, the Science Summit was held at the French Academy of Sciences, bringing together ministers of HFSP member countries, heads of research organizations, notable researchers, and other stakeholders to hold discussions on sustainable development. State Minister Ota attended the opening session and delivered her opening remarks. She stated that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will continue to support HFSP and that Japan has expectations for the promotion of innovative research in the field of life science.

2. OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Ministerial Meeting (from Tuesday, June 27 to Wednesday, June 28)

The OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Ministerial Meeting is a ministerial international conference providing an opportunity for representatives of the governments of OECD member countries (38 countries) and others to hold discussions. This year’s meeting was the first to be held in five years. Participants at the meeting discussed issues surrounding SMEs, including economic impacts associated with COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the promotion of greening and digitalization for SMEs. As a representative of the Government of Japan, State Minister Ota attended the meeting and mentioned topics, in particular, Japan’s swift provision of support to SMEs by taking advantage of digital technology, as well as Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, as a good opportunity for SMEs and others to present their innovation.

Reference:

• OECD Website: Declaration on Enhancing SMEs and Entrepreneurship Policies for Greater Resilience and Successful Green and Digital TransitionsLink

3. Economic, Trade and Industrial Policy Dialogue between Spain and Japan (Thursday, June 29)

State Minister Ota held a meeting to exchange views with H.E. Ms. Xiana Mendez, Secretary of State for Trade, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. In this dialogue, the two sides held discussions on international situations and bilateral ties, in particular, clean energy, digital technology, and third-country cooperation. They confirmed that Japan and Spain will continue to closely collaborate. Moreover, they agreed that Japan, as the host country of the 2023 G7 Summit Meeting, and Spain, as the country holding the EU presidency in the second half of 2023, should assist each other still more.

Divisions in Charge

• Information on the Science Summit:
  International Affairs Office, Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau
• Information on the OECD SME and Entrepreneurship Ministerial Meeting:
  International Cooperation Office, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency
• Information on the Japan-Spain Economic Policy Dialogue:
  Europe Division, Trade Policy Bureau