State Minister Kozuki Attends G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Industry and Technological Innovation

At this G7 Ministers' Meeting on Industry and Technological Innovation, the results of the works that were agreed to continue working on within the year, as outlined in the G7 Industry, Technology and Digital Ministers' Declaration adopted in March, were reviewed. Discussions were held on: 1. Industrial policy as a tool to respond to a new era of global challenges in critical sectors, and 2. Fostering the adoption of AI amongst companies, driving factors and challenges.

1. In the session on " Industrial policy as a tool to respond to a new era of global challenges in critical sectors," State Minister Kozuki emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation among G7 members on key issues agreed upon at the G7 Apuglia Summit in June, such as strengthening supply chain resiliency, monitoring of non-market policies and practices and excess capacity in key industry sectors. He stated that these points should be materialized at relevant fora, particularly at the G7 Ministers' Meeting on Industry. As part of this effort, he highlighted the need to reduce risks associated with excess dependency on certain supply sources and enhance supply chain resiliency by ensuring that factors other than price, such as "sustainability" and "reliability," are appropriately evaluated in the market.

2. In the session on " Fostering the adoption of AI amongst companies, driving factors and challenges," Japan introduced its initiatives aimed at improving digital skills domestically. The discussion emphasized the significance of collaboration among G7 members, particularly in enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to utilize digital technologies, including AI.

After the meeting, the host country, Italy, issued a chairs summary and a G7 report on driving factors and challenges of AI adoption and development among companies, especially micro and small enterprises.

Related Materials

• G7 Industry and Technology Ministers convene in Rome to advance industrial competitiveness, digital innovation, and sustainable digital transformation
• G7 Report on Driving Factors and Challenges of AI Adoption and Development Among Companies, Especially Micro and Small Enterprises

Related Link

• METI Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ishii Participates in G7 Industry, Technology and Digital Ministerial Meeting (March 18, 2024)

Division in Charge

International Economic Affairs Department, Trade Policy Bureau