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News Releases (in provisional translation)

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May 25, 2020: The 2020 Report on Compliance by Major Trading Partners with Trade Agreements (WTO, FTA/EPA and IIA) and the METI Priorities Based on the 2020 Report Released

May 18, 2020: Circular Economy and Resource Circulation for Plastics Finance Study Group will be Held

May 15, 2020: Report on Large-scale CCS Demonstration Project Compiled
May 15, 2020: METI Minister Kajiyama Attends Second G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting via Video Conference
May 15, 2020: Report Compiled on Results of Survey on University-Oriented Venture Businesses and Collection of Case Examples of Leading University-Oriented Venture Businesses’ Efforts for Team Building
May 15, 2020: Partial Revision of Act on Facilitation of Information Processing (Act No. 67 of 2019) Comes into Force

May 13, 2020: Thirtieth Round of Negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

May 11, 2020: Sites for Supporting Filing Requests for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses to Open

May 8, 2020: Third AI Edge Contest to be Held
May 8, 2020: Review of the End User List

May 5, 2020: APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Issue Joint Statement on COVID-19

May 4, 2020: Expo 2020 Dubai opening postponed to October 2021

May 1, 2020: Private Financial Institutions Start Provision of Substantially Interest-free Funds without Requiring Collateral
May 1, 2020: Announcement of Information on Consultation Counters for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses
May 1, 2020: METI State Minister Makihara Participates in Extraordinary G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting via Video Conference
May 1, 2020: METI Minister Kajiyama Holds Meeting with H.E. Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, via Video Conference
May 1, 2020: Announcement of Progress in Evaluating the Effectiveness of Sterilization Methods for Novel Coronavirus Disease
May 1, 2020: Call to Open for Applicants to Lead the Project for Research and Development of Enhanced Infrastructures for Post 5G Information Communication Systems
May 1, 2020: Businesses Determined to which METI Commissions “FY2020 Project for Enhancing Systems of Remote Heath Consultation Services under the Supplementary Budget”
May 1, 2020: Acceptance of Requests for Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses Starts

Apr 30, 2020: JPO Publishes Collection of Case Examples of Leading SMEs Taking Advantage of IP in Managing their Business, Titled “Rights”
Apr 30, 2020: Call for Applicants for the IP Acceleration Program for Startups (IPAS2020) to Open
Apr 30, 2020: First Joint Meeting to be Held between the METI Working Group on Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastics under the Waste and Recycling Subcommittee of the Committee on Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment of the Industrial Structure Council; and the MOE Subcommittee on Plastic Resource Circulation of the Working Group for a Circular Economy of the Central Environment Council
Apr 30, 2020: The 29th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Trade Negotiating Committee Meeting (RCEP TNC) Issues Joint Statement
Apr 30, 2020: Japan and Russia promote cooperation on countermeasures against COVID-19

Apr 28, 2020: One Standardization Project Theme Determined as New Standardization Projects to be Developed by Taking Advantage of the "Standardization System for Cultivating New Markets"
Apr 28, 2020: Deadlines for Submission of Documents Relating to the Act on the Rational Use of Energy are to be Extended in Response to the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus Disease
Apr 28, 2020: Report on Trends in Regional Economies and Industries in February 2020 Compiled
Apr 28, 2020: Requests for Consultation on Novel Coronavirus Disease to be Accepted during the Golden Week Holidays

Apr 27, 2020: METI Program Helps Municipalities Introduce Cashless Payment Services
Apr 27, 2020: The Full-Fledged Operation of the JPQR (Merchant-Presented-Mode :MPM) , as Unified Standards for Barcode and QR Code Payments, Starts Nationwide, and “Bill Payment” is Newly Set Forth as One of the Recognized “JPQR” Methods
Apr 27, 2020: Guide for Filing Requests for the Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses and Other Information Published (Preliminary Version)

Apr 24, 2020: 2020 White Papers on Small and Medium Enterprises and Small Enterprises Released
Apr 24, 2020: Scope of SMEs Targeted for Financial Assistance Due to Novel Coronavirus Expanded
Apr 24, 2020: Announcement to Consumers Facing Difficulties Paying Electricity or Gas Bills Due to Impacts of Novel Coronavirus Disease
Apr 24, 2020: Minister Kajiyama Holds Video Conference with H.E. Mr. Maksim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of Russia.

Apr 23, 2020: “The First Round-Table Panel for the Post 2020 Infrastructure Systems Export Strategy” to be Held
Apr 23, 2020: The 167th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Postponed
Apr 23, 2020: Series of Leaflets Prepared Explaining Industry-based Support Measures that Businesses Affected by the Novel Coronavirus Disease are Able to Utilize

Apr 22, 2020: Creation of New MaaS in Various Regions to be Promoted
Apr 22, 2020: “ASEAN-Japan Economic Ministers’ Joint statement on Initiatives on Economic Resilience” Formulated

Apr 20, 2020: New Establishment and Revision of the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) (April 2020)

Apr 17, 2020: Data on Pattern Paper of Medical Isolation Gowns to be Provided
Apr 17, 2020: Report on Discussion Results Concerning Streamlined Approaches to Identity Proofing for Online Services Compiled
Apr 17, 2020: METI Minister Kajiyama Holds Telephone Conference with H.E. Mr. Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade, Viet Nam
Apr 17, 2020: World Robot Summit 2020 to be Postponed

Apr 16, 2020: Twenty-ninth Round of Negotiations for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
Apr 16, 2020: New Website Launched for Explaining Case Examples of Leading Retail Stores Engaging in Efforts for Preventing Expansion of Novel Coronavirus Disease
Apr 16, 2020: Current State of the Implementation of Recycling in FY2018 Based on the Act on Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances
Apr 16, 2020: METI to Convey Information on Menu of Support Measures for Businesses Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease Utilizing LINE Application

Apr 15, 2020: Implementation of Effectiveness Evaluation of Sterilization Methods Against Novel Coronavirus

Apr 14, 2020: FY2018 Energy Supply and Demand Report (Revised Report)
Apr 14, 2020: Two Standardization Project Themes Determined as New Standardization Projects to be Developed by Taking Advantage of the “Standardization System for Cultivating New Markets”

Apr 13, 2020: Results of Assessment and Examinations of the Commitment to a Low-Carbon Society Compiled (FY2018 Performance)
Apr 13, 2020: METI Requested Related Associations to Promote Teleworking of Workers and Other Actions as Responses to Government’s Declaration of State of Emergency Involving Novel Coronavirus Disease
Apr 13, 2020: METI to Request Related Associations to Take Care in Maintaining Employment of Current Workers and Other Conditions as Responses to Novel Coronavirus Disease

Apr 11, 2020: METI Minister Kajiyama Attends G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers Meeting via Video Conference

Apr 10, 2020: Systems Involving Regulations over Industrial Safety Revised
Apr 10, 2020: First Selection of Applicants for the J-Innovation Hub Initiative
Apr 10, 2020: “Guidelines for Safe Use of High Pressure Gas in Drones Driven by Hydrogen Fuel Cells” Compiled

Apr 9, 2020: Steel Demand Prospects for the First Quarter of FY2020 (April-June 2020)

Apr 8, 2020: Measure for Supporting SMEs Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease to be Taken
Apr 8, 2020: “Fourteen Challenges that Startups Tend to Face and Measures for Overcoming the Challenges Based on the JPO’s Awareness through its IP Support Measures” Released
Apr 8, 2020: Acceptance of Requests for Consultation from SMEs, Small Enterprises and Other Entities Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease to Start; Concerning Support Measures for Financing and Subsidy Program for Sustaining Businesses

Apr 7, 2020: Call for Applicants for the Ninth Robot Awards Program Opens

Apr 6, 2020: Second Meeting as Opportunity for Receiving Opinions from Parties Concerned to be Held Concerning Handling ALPS Treated Water

Apr 3, 2020: Responses to Opinions Received from the Public at Explanatory and hearing meeting Held by the Subcommittee on Handling of the ALPS-Treated Water (ALPS Subcommittee) Publicized
Apr 3, 2020: Counseling Counters on Incorporating Foreign Human Resources with Specified Skills in Three Sectors in Manufacturing Industry Opened
Apr 3, 2020: METI Sanctions a Person for Violated the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act

Apr 2, 2020: Q&A on Approaches to Conducting Shareholder Meetings Compiled as Measure for Addressing the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus Disease
Apr 2, 2020: Release of IAEA “Review Report : Follow-up Review of Progress Made on Management of ALPS Treated Water and the Report of the Subcommittee on Handling of ALPS treated water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station”

Mar 31, 2020: Study Group on Structural Changes in Mobility and Future Directions of Automobile Policies Beyond 2030 (Study Group on 2030 Mobility Visions) to be Inaugurated
Mar 31, 2020: JPO Status Report 2020 Released
Mar 31, 2020: M&A Guidelines for SMEs Formulated
Mar 31, 2020: Fuel Efficiency Standards for Passenger Vehicles in FY2030 Formulated
Mar 31, 2020: Request for Provision of Statistical Data that will Contribute to Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
Mar 31, 2020: "Current Status of Doorstep Delivery Service and Key Points for Implementation"
Mar 31, 2020: Report on Direction of IP Strategy and Support in the Space Sector Released
Mar 31, 2020: Revision of “Guidance for Encouraging Japanese Companies to Address International Initiatives on Climate Change: - Supporting Companies Making Use of Renewable Energy in Japan under Scope 2 Guidance of the GHG Protocol -”
Mar 31, 2020: "Concept Paper on Climate Transition Finance Principles"
Mar 31, 2020: Invitation for Public Comments on the Draft of “IoT Security Safety Framework“
Mar 31, 2020: Rapid Virus Detector "GeneSoC" Introduced to 16 Medical Institutions Nationwide
Mar 31, 2020: METI Minister Kajiyama Attends G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting via Video Conference

Mar 30, 2020: New International Resource Strategy Formulated
Mar 30, 2020: Report compiled by Like-minded Members of Working Group on Studying Model Terms and Conditions for Contracts on Data Sharing-type (Platform-type) Contracts as Effort Involving Contract Guidelines on Utilization of AI and Data
Mar 30, 2020: Preliminary Report of the Summary of the 2019 Basic Survey on Small and Medium Enterprises (Performance Results Based on the FY2018 Closing Accounts) Compiled
Mar 30, 2020: Regional Collective Trademark Guide Book Issued
Mar 30, 2020: Meeting as Opportunity to Receive Opinions from Concerned Parties to be Held Concerning Handling ALPS Treated Water

Mar 27, 2020: Results of Survey on the Current State of the Sharing Economy and Other Data Compiled
Mar 27, 2020: Internal Restructuring to Enhance Measures against Counterfeit Goods
Mar 27, 2020: Call for Public Comments on Criteria on Security Assessment System (ISMAP) for Government Information Systems Draft Report
Mar 27, 2020: Results of A Nudge Approach Trial to Reduce Plastic Checkout Bags at Internal Government Stores
Mar 27, 2020: Program for Advancing the Comprehensive Distribution Policy Revised
Mar 27, 2020: Official Explanation of Technological Standards for Offshore Wind Power Facilities (Revised) Released
Mar 27, 2020: The 159th Survey of SME Business Conditions (January-March 2020) Released
Mar 27, 2020: METI Holds Award Ceremony for Winner of Space Development and Utilization Grand Prize
Mar 27, 2020: Survey Results of Factory Location Trends in 2019 (Preliminary Report) (January-December)
Mar 27, 2020: Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order for the Partial Revision of the Order for Fees Concerning the Measurement Act
Mar 27, 2020: Drones instead of Eyes: Guidelines and Collection of Use Case Examples Upgraded for Promoting Safe Use of Drones in Plants

Mar 26, 2020: Report on Trends in Regional Economies and Industries in January 2020 Compiled
Mar 26, 2020: Current Situations of Fukushima to be Conveyed

Mar 25, 2020: Handbook for Preventing the Elderly from Being Involved in Product Accidents Formulated
Mar 25, 2020: Results of Quarterly Survey of Overseas Subsidiaries Compiled (October-December 2019)
Mar 25, 2020: Results of the 2019 Basic Survey on the Information and Communications Industry (Industry Performance in FY2018)

Mar 24, 2020: Easy-to-Understand Video Clip Produced Explaining Measures for Addressing Novel Coronavirus Disease

Mar 23, 2020: Open data on Government’s Support Measures and Search Service to be provided for Companies
Mar 23, 2020: Industries Subject to No.5 Safety Nets for Financing Guarantee to be Designated (target industries for the first quarter of FY2020)
Mar 23, 2020: Expo 2020 Dubai Japan Pavilion Unveils Official Uniforms
Mar 23, 2020: New Establishment and Revision of the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) (March 2020)
Mar 23, 2020: Examples of Design-Driven Management in Leading Companies Compiled
Mar 23, 2020: Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai Announces Fourth Wave of Sponsors and Donors (Nine new sponsors and two new donors to offer their support)

Mar 19, 2020: Video Clip on How to Wash Fabric Face Masks Produced
Mar 19, 2020: Japan Requests the Establishment of a Panel under the WTO Agreement Regarding India’s Measures Concerning Tariff Increase on ICT Products

Mar 16, 2020: Winners of New Diversity Management Selection 100 and Diversity Management Selection 100 Prime in FY 2019

Mar 13, 2020: Two Businesses Newly Received Highest Grade "Murasaki" of Omotenashi Standard Certification
Mar 13, 2020: Study Group’s Report on Measures for Vitalizing e-Sports Publicized
Mar 13, 2020: Companies to be Subsidized under the FY2019 Subsidy Project for Supporting Businesses in Introducing Facilities for Producing Face Masks Nominated
Mar 13, 2020: METI to Request Related Associations to Take Care in Recruiting Activities and for Students Given Informal Promises of Employment Based on Government Responses to Novel Coronavirus Disease

Mar 12, 2020: Information on Teleworking-related Measures as Responses to Government Measures against Novel Coronavirus Disease to be Conveyed

Mar 11, 2020: Call Opens for Applicants for Second Round of AI Frontier Program for Fostering Human Resources
Mar 11, 2020: Measure to be Taken to Support SMEs Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease
Mar 11, 2020: SME Financial Consultation Counter to Open as a Measure Supporting SMEs and Small Enterprises Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease
Mar 11, 2020: Program for Remote Health Consultation Services to Start
Mar 11, 2020: The Eighth Japan-Korea Export Control Policy Dialogue

Mar 10, 2020: Cabinet Decision on the Bill for the Act for Partial Revision of the Act on Facilitation of Management Succession of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises for Promotion of Business Succession of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises and Other Acts (“Bill for the SMEs Growth Promotion Act”)
Mar 10, 2020: METI to Request Ordering Companies to Take Appropriate Care in Trading with Individual Business Operators and Freelancers Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease
Mar 10, 2020: METI to Request Main Subcontracting Companies to Further Take Appropriate Care in Trading with their Subcontractors Affected by Novel Coronavirus Disease
Mar 10, 2020: Cabinet Decision on the Cabinet Order for the Partial Revision of the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Emergency Measures for Stabilizing Living Conditions of the Public

Mar 9, 2020: Publish Information on Free-of-Charge and discounted Support Services Provided by Private Companies as Responses to Novel Coronavirus Disease with Standardized Open Data
Mar 9, 2020: Opening Ceremony of Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R) Held with Prime Minister Abe and METI Minister Kajiyama

Mar 6, 2020: Guidelines Formulated for Selecting Stadiums and Arenas as Exchange Bases Bringing Together a Variety of Generations
Mar 6, 2020: Types of Used Vehicles Subject to the Subsidies for Safety Support Cars Determined
Mar 6, 2020: Announcement on the Eighth Japan-Korea Export Control Policy Dialogue

Mar 5, 2020: Report Compiled on the Status of the Occurrence of Acts of Unauthorized Computer Access and the Progress of Research and Development on Technology Relating to Access Control Features
Mar 5, 2020: Deregulatory Measures in Import and Export Procedures as a Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Mar 3, 2020: Announcement of the FY2019 Nadeshiko Brands and Semi-Nadeshiko Brands
Mar 3, 2020: Acceptance of Requests for Subsidies for Safety Support Cars Starts on March 9, 2020
Mar 3, 2020: Twentieth Meeting of Committee on Planning of the Corporate Reporting Lab Held
Mar 3, 2020: Cabinet Decision on the Bill for the Act for Partial Revision of the Installment Sales Act

Mar 2, 2020: Forty Enterprises Selected under the 2020 Health & Productivity Stock Selection Program
Mar 2, 2020: Announcement of Organizations Recognized under the 2020 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations Recognition Program

Feb 28, 2020: “Handbook for the Recruitment of International Students and Empowerment after Hiring” Formulated
Feb 28, 2020: Preliminary Report of the 2019 Census of Manufacture Compiled
Feb 28, 2020: Third Japan-U.K. Industrial Policy Dialogue Held
Feb 28, 2020: Measure for Supporting SMEs Affected by Novel Coronavirus to be Taken (Designation of Areas Subject to No.4 Safety Nets for Financing Guarantee)

Feb 27, 2020: METI Minister Kajiyama Holds Meeting with IAEA Director General Grossi

Feb 26, 2020: Guidelines on Approaches to Hybrid Virtual Shareholder Meetings Formulated

Feb 25, 2020: METI to Hold the Monodzukuri Exhibition (Manufacturing Exhibition)
Feb 25, 2020: METI State Minister Matsumoto Attends the National Assembly of Young Entrepreneurs Group of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Held in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and Visits an Exhibition of Regional Specialties in which All Exhibitors Employed Cashless Payment Systems
Feb 25, 2020: Cabinet Decision on the Bill for the Act of Partial Revision of the Electricity Business Act and Other Acts for Establishing Resilient and Sustainable Electricity Supply Systems

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