# Section 6 Promotion of International Strategy

### 1. Promotion of international policy

## (1) Support for international business

With the aim of strategically supporting the international business activities of private companies in the fields of digital broadcasting, next-generation IP networks and wireless communications in which Japan has a particular strength, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) set up the ICT Office for International Promotion in January 2007. Specific activities of this Office in the three fields mentioned above include (1) comprehensive support and a contact point for launching the international activities of ICT companies, (2) implementation of various dissemination and enlightenment activities and (3) collection and organization of useful information from other countries and the sharing of such information among industry, academia and government. The MIC has also been making efforts to strengthen the presence of Japan internationally to gain an advantage in negotiations for technological standardization, as well as to develop a competitive environment for telecommunication markets in Asia and others in bilateral and multilateral negotiations.

## (2) Promotion of international policy in Asia/Pacific region

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has been making various efforts concerning the promotion of international policy in the Asia/Pacific region, which included cooperation with the member countries of APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation), the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). With regard to cooperation with ASEAN countries, at the second ASEAN-Japan ICT ministers' meeting, Japan proposed the “ASEAN-Japan ICT Work Plan 2007-2009” as a work plan concerning cooperation between Japan and ASEAN during the period between 2007 and 2009, which was then deliberated and accepted. Japan also proposed to hold an “Asia Information Security Policy Conference (provisional)” to enhance information security which is of importance in conducting smooth economic activities. The proposal was then accepted.

## (3) Promotion of international policy among international institutions and multiple nations (except for Asia-Pacific region)

### A. Enhancement of strategic activities for international standardization

In order to enhance Japan’s international competitiveness in the ICT field, it is essential to elucidate target technologies and systems for international business activities based on the needs of relevant countries and to proceed with strategic activities in cooperation with industry, academia and government, covering a range of activities from international standardization, to the production of technologies and sales of systems in international markets. Hence, in August 2007, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) consulted the Information and Communications Council about ICT R&D and the Standardization Strategy to Enhance Japan’s International Competitiveness, and a report was released in June 2008 with the following three measures for enhancing international standardization activities: (1) ICT standardization strategy map in the prioritized technological areas where Japan should make efforts toward international standardization and a policy for formulating an ICT patent map, (2) method for developing human resources engaged in international standardization activities, and (3) establishment of a center for ICT standardization and intellectual properties that controls these standardization activities through cooperation between the government, industry and academia.

### B. Participating in International Telecommunication Union activities

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency in the United Nations in the telecommunication field. Japan is making a positive contribution to the work of the ITU; for example, Japan has accepted the assignments of chairperson and vice-chairperson to study groups in different sections and submitted various recommendations. Besides these, Japan participated in the second meeting of the Internet Governance Forum held in Rio de Janeiro in November 2007 and also takes an active part in the New Round Negotiations of the World Trade Organization (WTO).