Mr. KONO Taro, Minister for Digital Transformation, visited the United States
Published on May 8, 2023
Minister Kono visited the United States from May 3 to 7, 2023. He attended to Milken Institute Global Conference and Sedona Forum hosted by McCain Institute and held meetings with executives from various startups, including Japanese ones active in the region. In the meetings, Minister Kono presented the success of the G7 Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting and the efforts to operationalize DFFT and earned support and expectations from the stakeholders. He also exchanged views with leaders from global think tanks and private sectors with distinctive initiatives.
1. Minister Kono Attended the Milken Institute Global Conference
On May 3, 2023, Minister Kono attended a global conference hosted by the non-profit think tank Milken Institute. The event brought together prominent leaders from different countries and fields.
Minister Kono delivered the keynote speech on the theme of this year, "Advancing a Thriving World" and joined a roundtable with participants from a variety of fields and discussed recent hot topics such as response to generative AI, the use of social networking services and the importance of data with trust. Minister Kono then explained the international framework to operationalize DFFT (Data Free flow with Trust) which is the outcome of the G7 Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting and asked for an understanding of the projects to be promoted in the future.
2. Minister Kono participated in the Sedona Forum hosted by the McCain Institute
On May 5, 2023, Minister Kono attended a Sedona Forum hosted by the non-profit think tank McCain Institute. The Sedona Forum is a place to have in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, inviting participants from extensive fields such as Governor of Arizona, senators, government officials, and private sectors. This year, it celebrates 10th Anniversary. Minister Kono presented the outcomes of the G7 Digital and Tech Ministers' Meeting, focused on Japan's initiatives to operationalize DFFT. He also discussed with think tanks and private sectors that promote innovation about the current state of digitalization in Japan and the use of software and digital services developed by the private sector. In the end, Minister Kono asked for an understanding of the international framework and the projects to operationalize DFFT.
3. Meeting with startups
From May 3 to 5, Minister Kono met with various startups based in Los Angeles to gain information on startup-related policies and their distinctive initiatives. He also exchanged views on the issue of partnership with Japan, such as business development and privacy issues. In addition, through the arrangement of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Minister Kono exchanged views with active Japanese startups in the region on challenges and benefits of starting a business locally, required support, and facilitation of data that crosses borders.
