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Minister Nishimura Visits the United States of America

Japanese

January 12, 2023

External Economic Policy

From January 5th (Thu.) to 9th (Mon.), Mr. Nishimura Yasutoshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, visited the United States of America (Washington D.C. and Las Vegas). In Washington D.C., he delivered a policy speech at a think tank and had a series of meetings with relevant Secretaries, a member of the U.S. Congress, and a business organization, etc. In Las Vegas, he visited CES, one of the world's largest electronics events, and exchanged views with people involved in startups.

1. Washington D.C.

(1) Meeting with H.E. Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce (January 5)

Minister Nishimura exchanged views with Commerce Secretary Raimondo for Japan-U.S. cooperation on a wide range of areas including the IPEF, critical and emerging technologies such as next-generation semiconductors, supply chains, and export controls. The two principals listened from representatives of Rapidus (Japan) and IBM (U.S.) about their joint project realizing mass production of next-generation semiconductors. Working on economic security through the Japan-U.S. Economic 2+2 and other initiatives, they agreed the importance of leading relevant G7 discussions by Japan and the U.S. Minister Nishimura conveyed Japan's concerns about the EV tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

　 　

(2) Speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (January 5)

Minister Nishimura delivered a policy speech at the CSIS on a theme of "Building a New Order after Overcoming an Illusion." Amid challenges to the international order posed by authoritarians such as the aggression against Ukraine, he called for the creation of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and pointed out the importance of building up in following three areas: economic security, cooperation among like-minded countries, and deterrence capabilities (Click here  for more detailed information on the speech).

 For the speech video and overview of the event, please visit the following CSIS website: URL 
　

(3) Meeting with a member of the U.S. Congress and experts (January 6)

With experts, Minister Nishimura discussed with Congressman Larry Bucshon (8th District of Indiana, Republican), Co-Chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan. They exchanged views on the situation in the U.S. and Japan mainly about energy and economic security.

(4) Meeting with H.E. Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security (January 6)

Minister Nishimura had a meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. The two principals signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Cybersecurity and agreed to strengthen cooperation further (Click here  for more information on the MOC). The two also discussed cooperation towards eliminating human rights violations in supply chains and held a roundtable with representatives from Japanese industry. Topics such as concrete efforts of Japanese industry to respect human rights and the importance of predictability of business were discussed.

　

(5) Meeting with the U.S.-Japan Business Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (January 6)

Minister Nishimura had a meeting with Mr. Douglas Peterson, Chairman of the U.S.-Japan Business Council (USJBC), Ms. Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other executives of the two groups to discuss the importance of Japan-U.S. cooperation in private sector. 

　

(6) Meeting with H.E. Katherine Tai, the United States Trade Representative (January 6)

Minister Nishimura and U.S. Trade Representative Tai signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to promote respect for human rights in supply chains. Under the MOC, the Japan-U.S. Task Force on the Promotion of Human Rights and International Labor Standards in Supply Chains was established with the participation of the relevant U.S. regulatory authorities. The Task Force is expected to contribute to improving predictability of business through close exchange of information, discussions, and other measures (Click here  for more information on the MOC).
They also exchanged views on promoting the IPEF and cooperating towards the G7 Trade Ministers' Meeting chaired by Japan. Minister Nishimura conveyed Japan's concerns about the EV tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.
　

(7) Meeting with H.E. Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy (January 9)

In their first meeting, Minister Nishimura and Energy Secretary Granholm agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. They issued Joint Statement on Cooperation toward Energy Security and Clean Energy Transition (Click here  for more information). The two principals discussed topics including the necessity of energy security, promotion of cooperation in areas of clean energy such as renewable energy, the necessity of upstream investment in natural gas fields for LNG, ensuring stable supply of critical minerals through up- and mid-stream investment and promoting recycling, and establishing resilient nuclear power supply chains. The two confirmed to promote cooperation through the Japan-U.S. Clean Energy and Energy Security Initiative (CEESI) and engage in efforts to solve challenges in the energy sector through the G7 Ministers' Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment in Sapporo in this coming April.

　

2. Las Vegas

(1) Visit to CES (January 7 and 8)

Minister Nishimura visited CES 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the Venetian Convention and Expo Center, he stopped by booths of startups from various countries including Japan, France, Israel, etc. At the Las Vegas Convention Center, he stopped by booths of companies from a wide range of areas including electronics and mobility.

(2) Exchanging views with a start-up expert (January 7)

Minister Nishimura exchanged views and opinions on fostering Japanese startups with Mr. Ben Horowitz, the founder of Andreessen Horowitz, a well-known U.S. venture capital firm.

　

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