US-Japan Commerce Ministers to Meet Soon... "Announcement of Next-Generation Semiconductor Development Cooperation"

Technology Development and Talent Nurturing Roadmap Expected to Be Included

Yastoshi Nishimura, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, who is in the United States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers' Meeting, is scheduled to hold talks with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on the 26th (local time), NHK and other broadcasters reported.

President Joe Biden of the United States (left) and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to reports, the two ministers will announce a joint U.S.-Japan semiconductor cooperation statement that includes the establishment of a new roadmap for the development of advanced semiconductor technology. The joint statement is expected to include commitments by both countries to jointly promote technology development and talent cultivation in the semiconductor sector and to strive to avoid dependence on supply from specific regions.

Earlier, in May last year, the United States and Japan set cooperation policies for securing semiconductors and developing advanced semiconductor technologies during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Japan.

Subsequently, in Japan last year, Rapidus, a semiconductor company funded by Toyota Motor Corporation and NTT, was launched with the goal of domestic production of advanced 2-nanometer (nm; 1 nm is one billionth of a meter) semiconductors. Rapidus is conducting research and development together with IBM in the United States.

NHK reported that the meeting between Minister Nishimura and Secretary Raimondo appears to be intended to reaffirm the cooperation between Rapidus and IBM.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.