of security, and to provide a dependable ICT infrastructure so that anyone can enjoy “Safe and Secure ICT”.

The R&D activities include research/development of 1. ubiquitous sensor network, 2. systems to ensure child and elderly safety using ubiquitous network technologies, 3. information and communications technologies for advanced utilization of e-Tags, 4. mobile satellite communication technology, 5. high-speed, large capacity satellite communication technology, 6. quasi-zenith satellite system, 7. remote sensing technology, 8. next generation advanced network infrastructure, 9. integration between robots and ubiquitous network, and 10. information security technology.

### 4. Universal Communications Technology Strategy

As a “Universal Communication Technology Strategy” for boosting intellectual energies, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications promotes research and development activities to realize communications technologies that promote intellectual creativity and communications technologies friendly to people, including the elderly and disabled, who can then overcome the age, physical, language and cultural barriers through the use of the most advanced ubiquitous networks in the world.

### 5. Development of a research and development environment to promote the UNS Strategy Program

To effectively and efficiently promote research and development activities in information and communication technology including the UNS Strategy Program, creating an open, flexible and competitive research/development environment is essential. Hence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is now developing the advanced test-bed network for research and development (JGN II), utilizing competitive research funds.

## Section 6 Promotion of International Strategy

### 1. Promotion of international policy

(1) Promotion of international policy in Asia-Pacific region

### A. Promotion of the Asia Broadband Program

As an action plan for the development of a broadband environment in the Asian region, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications formulated the Asia Broadband Program in March 2003. In this Program, Asia aspires to become an information hub by 2010. Also, with a strong connection to private sectors in Japan, the Ministry has been hosting the “Broadband Promotion Conference in Asia” since March 2004. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and other concerned ministries revised this plan at the meeting held in August 2006.

### B. Cooperation and coordination between Japan, China and Korea

In September 2002, the first Japan-China-Korea ICT Ministerial Meeting was held in Marrakech, with the aim to promote cooperation between the respective countries in the field of information and communications. In March 2006, the fourth Meeting was held in Amoi, China. The three countries agreed on reinforcement of collaboration with ASEAN countries and further corporation in the ICT field including information security, next generation IP network and 4G, and signed an agreement to ensure the corporative framework among the three countries.

### C. Multilateral Efforts in other Asia-Pacific region

Various multilateral efforts have also been made: Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT), Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) Telecommunication and IT Ministers Meeting, and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). As for ASEM, “The first ICT Cabinet members Meeting” was held in Hanoi, Vietnam in November 2006, and the chairman’s statement including the “List of Activities”, summarizing issues to be tackled for ASEM in the future, was adopted at the meeting. Agreement was also made with regard to keeping the exchange of opinions and information sharing in order to promote cooperation in the ICT field.