Press Releases
The First Policy Dialogue based on the Japan-Canada Memorandum of Cooperation on Industrial Science and Technology (Overview)
February 27, 2026
On Februay 27, the first Policy Dialogue based on the Memorandum of Cooperation on Industrial Science and Technology signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Department of Industry of Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada on Industrial Science and Technology, was held via online. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- The meeting was attended, on the Japanese side, by Mr. KIKUKAWA Jingo, Director General, Innovation and Environment Policy Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Mr. KURIYAMA Atsushi, Director, North America Economic Coordination Division, North American Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as officials from both Ministries, and on the Canadian side, by Ms. Alexandra Dostal, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) and officials from the ISED and the Global Affairs Canada.
- During the Dialogue, both sides exchanged views on strengthening Japan-Canada cooperation in industrial science and technology. The two sides also shared updates on their respective policy developments and confirmed progress made so far in priority areas such as quantum technologies. Japan and Canada concurred to consider the possible ways of cooperation going forward to further promote joint R&D and human-resource exchanges that contribute to accelerating innovation and ensuring industrial competitiveness in both countries.
- On the same day, the third Director Level Meeting was also held under the Memorandum of Cooperation. Participants discussed key topics including quantum technologies, AI, semiconductors, clean technologies, and international collaboration, and exchanged views on promoting deeper cooperation going forward.
(Reference) The Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, the Department of Industry of Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada on Industrial Science and Technology
On September 21, 2023, amid the growing importance of economic security, the Governments of Japan (METI and MOFA) and Canada (ISED and GAC) signed the Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen bilateral collaboration in industrial science and technology, including quantum and AI.