G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting and AI Task Force Ministers’ Meeting Held

1. Overview of meeting outcomes

The G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ meeting was launched in 2017 to advance discussions on policies related to the digital economy field, given the increasingly extensive and significant impact of digitalization on the economy and society, as well as the growing recognition of a wide range of new policy issues.

At this year’s meeting in the Republic of South Africa, participants discussed the four key themes set by the G20 presidency: Connectivity for Inclusive Digital Development; Reform of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI); Digital Innovation Ecosystems for Unleashing the Potential of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); and Equitable, Inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI).

During the discussion on digital innovation ecosystems for unleashing the potential of MSMEs, Mr. Shibuya, METI’s Deputy Director-General for IT Strategy, acknowledged that the digitalization of MSMEs, which account for over 99% of all companies in Japan and provide more than 70% of the country’s employment, is vital for economic growth.
Additionally, he outlined specific initiatives of Japan, including the formulation and announcement of digital skills standards required for digital transformation (DX), as well as the selection and presentation of awards for excellent DX model cases.

Furthermore, he also highlighted initiatives to support AI startups that will drive future innovations, including the provision of government-led large-scale computing resources and measures to promote interactions among AI developers in Japan and worldwide. He expressed his desire for Japan to continue contributing to the achievement of digital innovation ecosystems.

2. G20 Digital Innovation Alliance

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies of the Republic of South Africa hosted the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance as a side event of the G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ meeting. Approximately 50 startups from G20 member countries and regions, as well as others, showcased their digital solutions in six theme areas—digital platforms and AI tools, fintech, secured digital infrastructure, the circular economy, innovation for connectivity, and innovation for development (technologies for agriculture, healthcare, and education). A total of four companies participated from Japan: SyntheticGestalt KK in digital platforms and AI tools, Degas Ltd. in fintech, Dots for Inc. in innovation for connectivity, and Connect Afya Inc. in innovation for development.

As a result of the pitch competition at the event, Degas Ltd. secured second place in fintech, while SyntheticGestalt KK finished third in digital platforms and AI tools.

3. Meeting with Mr. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies of the Republic of South Africa

Taking the opportunity of the above meetings, Mr. Shibuya, METI’s Deputy Director-General for IT Strategy, met with Mr. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies of the Republic of South Africa, in coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Digital Agency, to deepen the dialogue on shared policy challenges.

Related Materials

• Digital Economy Working Group, Chair’s Statement(PDF:564KB)
• Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development, Chair’s Statement(PDF:469KB)

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Office of International Affairs, Policy Planning and Coordination Division, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau