First Policy Dialogue Based on the Japan-Canada Memorandum of Cooperation on Industrial Science and Technology

1. Background

On September 21, 2023, amid the growing importance of economic security, the governments of Japan (METI and MOFA) and Canada (the Department of Industry of Canada, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development of Canada) signed the Memorandum of Cooperation on Industrial Science and Technology to advance bilateral collaboration in industrial science and technology, including the following areas: (1) advanced manufacturing, (2) artificial intelligence (AI), (3) clean technologies, clean energy, and carbon reduction technologies, (4) life sciences, (5) quantum, and (6) semiconductors. The Industrial Research and Development Policy Dialogue at the Assistant Deputy Minister/Director-General level (hereinafter referred to as the “Policy Dialogue”) is held based on this Memorandum of Cooperation.

2. Highlights of the First Policy Dialogue

The first Policy Dialogue was held online today between Mr. Kikukawa Jingo, Director General of the Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau of METI of Japan, and Ms. Alexandra Dostal, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) of Canada. During the dialogue, both sides exchanged views on strengthening Japan-Canada cooperation in industrial science and technology. The two sides also shared updates on their respective policy developments and confirmed progress made so far in priority areas such as quantum technologies. Japan and Canada concurred to consider possible ways of cooperation going forward to further promote joint research and development and human resource exchanges that contribute to accelerating innovation and ensuring industrial competitiveness in both countries.

On the same day, the third Director-level Meeting was also held under the Memorandum of Cooperation. Participants discussed key topics including quantum technologies, AI, semiconductors, clean technologies, and international collaboration, and exchanged views on promoting deeper cooperation going forward.

Related Links

• METI Minister Nishimura Signs Memorandum of Cooperation on Industrial Science and Technology with Canada (September 22, 2023)
• Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Department of Industry of Canada, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development of Canada on Industrial Science and Technology (EN,JP,FR)(PDF:412KB)

Division in Charge

International Affairs Office, Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau