The government has compiled a white paper on trade this year, and as each country strengthens its economic security efforts against the backdrop of fierce battles for hegemony between the United States and China, Japan is strengthening technological development of important materials such as semiconductors and development of domestic production bases. I recommend that it should be done.

This year's White Paper on Trade pointed out that against the backdrop of the fierce conflict between the United States and China, economic security movements such as securing important supplies such as semiconductors and managing advanced technologies that can be used for military purposes are intensifying.



On top of that, it is important for Japan to diversify its procurement sources such as semiconductors and rare earths, which are rare resources, and to hurry to build a global supply chain in cooperation with friendly countries such as the United States.



Furthermore, it says that it is necessary to promote research and development of advanced technology and development of production base in Japan to secure the superiority of international technology.



In addition, we are demanding management that integrates economy and security, such as establishing a management system for important technologies for companies and promptly responding to the tightening of regulations in each country.



In addition, in the white paper, we will promote the creation of international rules in collaboration with Europe and the United States toward "carbon neutral", which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to virtually zero by 2050, and steadily implement industrial policies that link decarbonization to growth. It is important to do it.



In addition, as global companies have an urgent need to take measures against forced labor and child labor, they are also calling for raising awareness in the industrial world.

Strong awareness of economic security

This year's White Paper on Trade has become strongly conscious of economic security.



Due to the conflict over technological hegemony between the United States and China and the spread of infection with the new coronavirus, the vulnerabilities of the supply chain, which is the supply network for important supplies such as semiconductors, have become apparent, and each country is strengthening its efforts for economic security.



The white paper describes these movements as "a large swell that can be called crustal movement," and touches on trends in each country.

Of these, the US government has tightened export restrictions on Chinese telecommunications equipment giants Huawei and affiliated companies, while China also enforced the Export Control Act in December last year to export security-related products. We are tightening regulations.



In addition, the EU = European Union is also strengthening export and investment control.



Furthermore, he pointed out that Japan also needs to take strategic measures, saying that such measures may be introduced suddenly or the contents of regulations may be unclear, which may lead to deterioration of the business environment of the company. I will.



For this reason, it is important to promote diversification of procurement sources for important supplies such as semiconductors and rare earths, which are rare resources, and to work on building a global supply chain in cooperation with friendly countries such as the United States.



Furthermore, by encouraging research and development of strategically important technologies and capital investment, the domestic production base should be improved and a firm position should be established in the field of advanced technology.



Through this, Japan will realize "overcoming vulnerabilities" and "securing superiority" in economic security.



In addition, as it is important for companies to strengthen their international competitiveness, the economy and security are integrated by establishing a management system for important technologies owned by the company and accurately grasping the risks of the supply chain. We are looking for management that is understood as.