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METI Minister Nishimura Visits San Francisco, the United States
November 21, 2023
From November 12 (Sun.) to 17 (Fri.), 2023, Mr. Nishimura Yasutoshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, visited San Francisco, the United States, and attended the Ministerial Meeting of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Economic Policy Consultative Committee (the Economic "2+2"), and the Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Minister Nishimura took these opportunities to exchange views on bilateral economic ties with representatives and stakeholders of the respective economies. He also delivered an address and other remarks at the opening ceremony for "Japan Innovation Campus," a roundtable on AI and next-generation semiconductors, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Note: This news release is a summary of previous news releases.
1. IPEF Ministerial Meeting
From November 13 to 16, a series of IPEF-related meetings were held in San Francisco. These meetings were hosted by H.E. Mr. Joe Biden, President, H.E. Ambassador. Katherine Tai, Trade Representative, and Honorable Dr. Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce, of the U.S., and brought together representatives of all 14 IPEF partner countries. Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister, Mr. Nishimura Yasutoshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs attended as Japan’s representatives.
At these meetings, negotiations concerning the fields of clean economy and fair economy were substantially concluded. In addition, negotiations concerning the field of trade made substantial progress, including the details related to inclusivity and trade facilitation.
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2. The Second Ministerial Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Economic Policy Consultative Committee (the Economic "2+2")
On November 14, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan and the Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Department of State (DOS) of the U.S. held the Second Ministerial Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Economic Policy Consultative Committee Meeting (the Economic "2+2"). This meeting was attended by Minister Nishimura and Minister Kamikawa as representatives of Japan, and Secretary of Commerce Raimondo and the Honorable Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, as representatives of the U.S.
At the meeting, they held discussions on two topics, namely (1) Strengthening the rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific region, and (2) Enhancing economic resilience and promoting and protecting critical and emerging technologies.
Following the end of the meeting, Japan and the U.S. issued a joint statement.
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3. APEC Ministerial Meeting
The 2023 APEC Ministerial Meeting was held on November 14 and 15 in San Francisco, the United States, under the co-chairpersonships of Dr. Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative, and Mr. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State, the United States, the host economy of the 2023 APEC. Minister Nishimura representing of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, participated in the ministerial meeting.
At the meeting, participants held proactive discussions focusing on such subjects as supporting the multilateral trading system and advancing sustainable and inclusive trade. The main remarks made by Minister Nishimura were as follows:
- Promotion of the energy transition through various and practical pathways toward a common goal of net-zero to realize a sustainable future;
- Importance of using data and AI to realize a sustainable future;
- Provision of support to startups that play leading roles in innovation; and,
- Restoration of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, negotiations on electronic commerce, trade and industrial policy, and progress made in trade and the environment as efforts in preparation for the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference.
As outcome documents of the meeting, the meeting adopted the APEC joint ministerial statement. Also, the U.S., as chair of the meeting, issued the chair’s statement on the situations of Ukraine and the Middle East.
- For the joint ministerial statement, click this link.(PDF:191KB)PDF
- For the chair’s statement, click this link.(PDF:121KB)PDF
4. Bilateral meetings
Minister Nishimura exchanged views with representatives of participating economies on cooperation for the success of the meeting and bilateral economic ties.
(1) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce, China
Minister Nishimura stated the importance of ensuring the security of company staffs involved in business in China and securing a transparent and fair business environment, and strongly requested China to ensure the transparency of its legal enforcement and judicial processes, the appropriate operation of its export control measures, and correction of its preferential treatment of domestic products. In addition, he reiterated the safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and other facts and requested China to immediately repeal the import restriction on Japanese foods.
Both ministers agreed to establish two new frameworks, between METI and the Ministry of Commerce, China, called the Japan-China Export Control Dialogue and the Japan-China Working Group for Improving Business Environments.
Moreover, the ministers agreed to meet regularly for close communication by utilizing a variety of opportunities.
(2) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Bang Moon Kyu, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Republic of Korea
Minister Nishimura held a meeting with Minister Bang, the ROK. The two sides exchanged views on collaboration in IPEF and other fields of trade toward the establishment of a free and fair trade order and the cooperation in such fields as innovation and energy. They agreed that Japan and the ROK will maintain close communication.
(3) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Hong Kong
Minister Nishimura reiterated the safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and other facts and requested Hong Kong to immediately repeal the import restriction on Japanese foods. Also, the two sides confirmed the importance of promoting exchange in terms of trade and culture between Japan and Hong Kong.
(4) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Indonesia
Minister Nishimura held a meeting with Minister Airlangga, Indonesia, ASEAN chair in 2023, which is the year commemorating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Indonesia diplomatic ties and the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN. The two sides confirmed Japan-Indonesia collaboration in IPEF and the WTO and agreed to enrich future economic ties between Japan and Indonesia as well as Japan and ASEAN, including the creation of projects that will become a symbol of cooperation in industries that will play leading roles in the future in both countries, the promotion of the Asian Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) concept, and the fostering of human resources that will support these efforts. In addition, Minister Nishimura expressed Japan’s appreciation to Indonesia for showing an understanding of Japan’s stance on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and stated that Japan will continue to ensure transparency in providing information.
(5) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia
The two sides agreed to collaborate in IPEF and other fields of trade toward the establishment of a free and fair trade order and to enhance bilateral ties, including the creation of projects that will become a symbol of cooperation in industries that will play leading roles in the future, e.g., enhancing the resilience of supply chains, digital transformation (DX), and green transformation (GX), the promotion of the AZEC concept, and the promotion of innovation. In addition, Minister Nishimura expressed Japan’s appreciation to Malaysia for showing an understanding of Japan’s stance on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and stated that Japan will continue to ensure transparency in providing information.
(6) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore
The two sides confirmed Japan-Singapore collaborate in IPEF, the WTO, and other fields of trade and agreed to enhance bilateral ties, including the creation of projects, such as DX and GX, that will become a symbol of cooperation in industries that will play leading roles in the future, the promotion of the AZEC concept, and the promotion of innovation. In addition, Minister Nishimura expressed Japan’s appreciation to Singapore for showing an understanding of Japan’s stance on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and stated that Japan will continue to ensure transparency in providing information.
(7) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Manoa Kamikamica, Minister Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, the Republic of Fiji
The two sides held discussions on collaboration in IPEF toward the establishment of a free and fair trade order, the promotion of cooperation among startups and other entities in island countries, and other issues, and they agreed that Japan and Fiji, among other island countries, will further enrich economic ties. In addition, Minister Nishimura expressed Japan’s appreciation to Fiji for showing an understanding of Japan’s stance on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and stated that Japan will continue to ensure transparency in providing information.
(8) Working dinner with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Raimondo
On November 14, Minister Nishimura held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Raimondo. The two sides confirmed the results of the Economic 2+2 and held discussions on the future directions of Japan-U.S. cooperation. In particular, they agreed that Japan and the U.S. intend to hold more concrete discussions to ensure transparent, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
This meeting was held in a working-dinner format. The two principals tasted scallop produced in Hokkaido and assured its safety and good quality. Expressing Japan’s appreciation to the U.S. for their understanding and support to Japanese marine products, Minister Nishimura spoke that Japan would continue to spread the charms of its marine products in collaboration with the U.S.
5. Other events
(1) Opening ceremony for "Japan Innovation Campus"
On November 12, METI held an opening ceremony for "Japan Innovation Campus," a base established for supporting startups in Silicon Valley, the U.S. This ceremony brought together around 70 stakeholders, including Minister Nishimura, and mainly representatives of the local startup ecosystem.
METI named the facility "Japan Innovation Campus," hoping that the base will be accepted by people in Silicon Valley, be integrated in the ecosystem there, and bring together like-minded entrepreneurs and their stakeholders from Japan and around the world, which will lead to fostering innovation.
(2) Roundtable on AI and next-generation semiconductors
On November 13, Minister Nishimura attended a meeting held in San Francisco, the U.S., to exchange views with the senior executives of global top companies in the fields of AI and semiconductors, which are fields indispensable to establish GX, DX, and economic security. He exchanged views on future efforts for specific projects under collaboration between Japan and the U.S.
Minister Nishimura mentioned the strong expectations that people have for Japan and, concerning the proposals that these executives offered, stated that Japan would discuss how it could provide firm cooperation and support and that it would provide strong support to specific projects under collaboration between Japan and the U.S.
(3) Special Seminar at the University of California, Berkeley
On November 15, Minister Nishimura held an address and a dialogue at the Haas School of Business, the University of California, Berkeley, and had a Q&A session with the participants.
At the end of the seminar, Berkeley SkyDeck, an organization for supporting startups of the University of California, Berkeley concluded a memorandum of understanding on the enhancement of cooperation with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
(4) Visiting a side event (exhibition) of the APEC CEO Summit 2023
On November 15, Minister Nishimura visited an exhibition held as a side event of the APEC CEO Summit 2023. He visited the booth run by Super Micro Computer Inc., a company that manufactures servers that are computational resources necessary for developing AI, and another booth run by JETRO where visitors could sample Japanese scallops and sake.
At the Super Micro Computer Inc. booth, the company showcased the servers that incorporate GPUs and other components manufactured by NVIDIA Corporation, which are being improved in Japan and for which demand is expected to grow in the future, and servers incorporating MN-Core, a type of semiconductor manufactured by Preferred Networks, Inc., a Japanese semiconductor company. Minister Nishimura received an explanation from the Super Micro Computer staff on the structures inside these servers.
Japan will continue to make full-fledged efforts for the improvement and sophistication of computational resources to enhance Japan’s ability to develop AI.
Division in Charge
- Contact for inquiries about the overall visit:
Economic Partnership Division, Trade Policy Bureau
APEC Office, Trade Policy Bureau - Contact for inquiries about Japan-U.S. Economic 2+2" and (3) Seminar at the University of California, Berkeley":
Americas Division, Trade Policy Bureau - Contact for inquiries about Opening ceremony for ‘Japan Innovation Campus’":
Startup and New Business Promotion Office, Economic and Industrial Policy Bureau - Contact for inquiries about Roundtable on AI and next-generation semiconductors," and visiting a booth displayed by Super Micro Computer Inc.":
IT Industry Division, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau