December 12, 2024 Outcomes of 23rd Japan-France ICT Policy Consultations

 The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), together with the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry (MEFI) of the Republic of France, held the 23rd Japan-France ICT Policy Consultations in Tokyo on Tuesday, December 10.
 These policy consultations aimed to deepen mutual understanding between Japan and France on policies in the digital field and to promote collaboration and cooperation. A wide range of agenda items in the field were discussed.
 Based on the outcomes of the consultations, both sides will continue discussing specific details that will contribute to future Japan-France cooperation.

 During the policy consultations, the following topics were mainly discussed based on policy trends in both Japan and France.

i. Beyond５G/６G

 The Japanese side explained the "Strategy for Realizing Next-Generation Information and Communication Infrastructure to Support AI Society - Beyond 5G Promotion Strategy 2.0 -" announced in August this year and the Beyond 5G(6G) R&D Fund. The French side explained the efforts of research institutions including 5G, the necessity of a green network considering the increased energy consumption by the use of AI, and the importance of openness in the fields of Beyond 5G and all-photonics.

ii. AI

 The Japanese side explained the efforts of the Government of Japan regarding AI governance leading to the "Hiroshima AI Process," the progress toward the implementation of the International Code of Conduct of the Hiroshima AI Process, and the launch of the Friends Group and the status of participating countries. The French side explained the preparations for the implementation of the EU AI Act, which entered into force in August this year, and the priority of the AI Action Summit to be held in Paris in February next year.

iii. Digital Infrastructure (Submarine Cable)

 The Japanese side explained the status of digital infrastructure such as submarine cables, and the initiatives to ensure the safety and reliability of essential communications infrastructure under the Economic Security Promotion Act. The French side explained recent initiatives related to the economic security of digital infrastructure and the importance of infrastructure resilience through the multi-routing of submarine cables.

 The next round of the consultations will be held in 2025.

 (Reference) Attendees of Japan-France ICT Policy Consultations (23rd)
 Japan: Dr. IMAGAWA Takuo, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, MIC, and others
 France: Mr. Thomas COURBE, Director-General for Enterprise, MEFI, and others