Minister Nishimura Signs a Memorandum of Cooperation on the Japan-U.S. Task Force on the Promotion of Human Rights and International Labor Standards in Supply Chains

On January 6, 2023 (U.S. time), Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi, and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on the Japan-U.S. Task Force on the Promotion of Human Rights and International Labor Standards in Supply Chains.

The Task Force envisages mutual information sharing on relevant guidance, reporting, best practices, lessons learned and enforcement practices to protect and promote human rights and internationally recognized labor rights in supply chains.　The Task Force also plans to facilitate dialogue with stakeholders, including businesses.
 
METI will further accelerate international coordination to enhance the predictability of business and contribute to an environment enabling businesses to respect human rights proactively.
 
On Japan's side, the Task Force is comprised of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other ministries as appropriate.

On the United States side, the Task Force is comprised of the Office of the United States Trade Representative; the Department of Commerce; the Department of Health and Human Services; the Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Department of Labor; the Department of State; the U.S. Agency for International Development; and other government agencies, as appropriate.

Related Material

• Memorandum of Cooperation on the Japan-U.S. Task Force on the Promotion of Human Rights and International Labor Standards in Supply Chains(PDF:152KB)

Division in Charge

Business and Human Rights Policy Office, Minister’s Secretariat