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METI Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi Visits the United States

Japanese

August 25, 2023

External Economic Policy

From August 20 to 24, 2023, Mr. Satomi Ryuji, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), visited Seattle, the United States, to attend the 29th APEC SME Ministerial Meeting.

Along with this, a joint meeting of the APEC Women and the Economy Forum and the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting was held for the first time in the history of APEC. Taking this opportunity, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi attracted participants’ attention to Japan’s measures for supporting women-owned companies and its efforts for empowering women triggered by the convening of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

In addition, he exchanged views with Ms. Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, the U.S., the chair of the joint meeting, H.E. Ms. Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore, and other stakeholders, and they held discussions on bilateral cooperation and other issues, including cooperation in the fields of startups and SMEs.

1. Joint meeting of the APEC Women and the Economy Forum and the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting

On August 20 (Sun.), Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi attended the joint meeting. The theme of the meeting was titled Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All. It held discussions on a wide variety of subjects, bringing together ministers in charge of SMEs and those in charge of women. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi explained Japan’s efforts for providing support packages for women entrepreneurs and conveying information on women empowerment, an effort starting from the Women's Pavilion that will feature at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

Scenes from Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi delivering a speech at the joint meeting

2. APEC SME Ministerial Meeting

On August 21 (Mon.), the 29th APEC SME Ministerial Meeting was held. At the meeting, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi stated the importance of leveraging digital tools, the significance of expanding opportunities for people who have economic potential, including women, and other issues.

Scenes from Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi delivering a speech at the ministerial meeting

3. Exchanging views with the chair of the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting

On August 20 (Sun.), Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi held a meeting with Under Secretary Lago and exchanged views on bilateral economic ties.

Exchanging views with the chair of the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting

4. Exchanging views with Minister Low, Singapore

On August 20 (Sun.), Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi held a meeting with Minister Low and exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in the field of startups, the commemoration of the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation in 2023, and other issues.

Minister Low, Singapore

5. Visiting the Boeing Company and Toray Composite Materials America, Inc.

On August 22 (Tue.), Parliamentary Vice-Minister Satomi visited the Boeing Company and Toray Composite Materials America, Inc., respectively, and observed the processes for assembling airplanes and those for manufacturing carbon fiber.

Boeing Company
Toray Composite Materials America, Inc.

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Office for Overseas Business Support, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency

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