# Section 8 Promotion of International Strategy

# 1. Priority promotion issues in international policy

## (1) Promotion of ICT overseas deployment

In the terrestrial digital TV broadcasting field, under government/private cooperation, there is work to expand use of the Japanese standard (ISDB-T). Starting with Brazil in 2006, a total of 15 countries in Central and South America, and Asia (excluding Japan) and Africa decided to adopt the Japanese standard. In 2013, Botswana became the first African country to adopt the Japanese standard. The plan is to also work on its use in Southern African countries, etc.

Regarding ICT project deployment into ASEAN countries, under the “Asia Ubiquitous City Concept Promotion Project” that began in FY2011, Japan is using the project to resolve social problems in Asia by supporting the introduction of an advanced Japanese ICT utilization systems and is also contributing to the expansion of Japan’s international presence, the promotion of the adoption of Japanese-developed ICT as an international standard and the enhancement of international competitiveness. In addition, we will promote an “ASEAN Smart Network Initiative,” which aims to contribute to economic stimulation and to solving various social problems in ASEAN countries by achieving a leading ICT utilization and ubiquitous environment. It will also promote cooperation with Asia, mainly ASEAN countries, where natural disasters frequently occur, in the field of disaster management using Japanese ICT.

## (2) Development of environment for ICT overseas deployment/development of an environment for promoting smooth distribution of information

The MIC is building an international network to collect information on cyber-attacks such as DDoS and malware by cooperation with Internet service providers (ISPs), universities, etc. in Japan and overseas. It is also cooperating with foreign countries to work on research and development and demonstration experiments (PRACTICE Project), for technology which can predict and quickly respond to the occurrence of cyber-attacks. So far, cooperation with foreign countries, including the United States and the ASEAN, has started.

Regarding strategic international standardization, a final report provided to the MIC in July 2012 by the Information and Communications Council indicated the priority fields for standardization, and recommended that a “strategic map for standardization” that explains the necessity of standardization in each field and specifies achievement targets should be formulated. In the future, the MIC plans to promote international standardization activities in a strategic manner based on the final report in order to enhance convenience for consumers and users and strengthen the international competitiveness of Japanese industries.

### 2. Initiatives in international frameworks

### (1) Promotion of national policies under multilateral frameworks a. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Regarding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the MIC provided the APEC-TEL Chairman until the 47 $ ^{th} $ APEC-TEL meeting, which was held in April 2013, and also provided the chair of a working group on Liberalisation Steering Group at the 48 $ ^{th} $ APEC-TEL meeting. While contributing to the meeting as the chair, the MIC is actively contributing to APEC's information and communications related activities to promote “universal broadband access,” which is a goal that should be shared by APEC member economies.

### b. Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT)

In order to develop information and telecommunications infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region in a balanced manner, the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) is promoting human resources development through training courses and seminars and coordinating regional policies concerning standardization and wireless communications under the Secretary General Toshiyuki Yamada (whose term of office lasts till February 2015).

So far, Japan has made contributions to training courses and international research activities implemented by the APT and pilot projects to eliminate the digital divide by providing the Extra budgetary contributions.

### c. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

As Japan is a dialogue partner country of ASEAN, it is promoting cooperation through the Japan -ASEAN Summit Meeting and other meetings including Japan-ASEAN telecommunications and IT Ministers Meeting.

### d. International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Japan is making positive contributions on the international stage by, for example, obtaining many chair and vice-chair positions at International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Study Groups, taking leadership posts on research topics, and making recommendations and proposals.

### e. United Nations

Internet related discussions are mainly held in the UN General Assembly First Committee, UN General Assembly Second Committee, Economic and Social Council, and Human Rights Council.