The Japan External Trade Organization New York (JETRO NY) released a newsletter today analyzing the recent Okinawa G8 Summit. It can be viewed here. A summary is posted below.

G8 nations held their annual summit last month to explore ways in which the whole world can benefit from information technology (IT). The need for a new trade round was also emphasized. In addition, attention was focused on biotechnology and life sciences.

TOWARD GREATER PROSPERITY AND GLOBAL HARMONY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The latter half of the 20th century has witnessed tremendous economic growth, yet all economies have not benefited equally. G8 nations stressed the need for enhanced coordination mechanisms to address issues including:

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

IT can empower and link people all over the world. It can sustain economic growth, enhance public welfare, stronger social cohesion and democratic forms of government. All economies must be granted equitable access to emerging technological achievements.

G8 members committed themselves to the Okinawa Charter on the Global Information Society. It emphasizes the need for:

Liberalization and Rule Setting

IT and telecommunications regulations need to be developed in accordance with internationally harmonized rules and standards.

To further this objective, the Japanese government will promote policies that seek to:

- restructure legal and regulatory systems to promote IT and e-commerce;
- promote standards that enhance security and consumer privacy; and
- promote international cooperation between Japan and developingcountries.

Business Model Patents and Improved Protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

To enhance the development of new technologies, G8 members encouraged coordination to facilitate IPR and IT and business model patent protection.

Japanese regulators are now developing suggestions in advance of a G7, and a trilateral, meeting of U.S., Japanese and European patent agencies this fall.

Measures to Bridge the Global Digital Divide

Recognizing that access to technology is a primary hurdle to initiating a global technological revolution, G8 leaders established a task force that can help bridge the global information divide.

To help developing economies adjust to globalization, the Japanese government approved a five-year $15 billion development package. It seeks to promote:

- IT-friendly policies and legal systems;
- information/telecommunications infrastructure and human resource development; and
- active utilization of IT in its development assistance efforts.

The Japanese government also allocated $3 billion to fight the spread
of infectious diseases in the developing world.

TOWARD A NEW TRADE ROUND FOR THE 21st CENTURY

G8 economies expressed a desire to begin a new round of multilateral trade negotiations this year. A balanced and inclusive agenda needs to be developed that can equitably strengthen WTO rules, and the treatment accorded to developing countries.

Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is now engaged in preparatory work to help plan for a new round that will focus on market access and rules issues such as anti-dumping, investment and e-commerce.

THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND LIFE SCIENCES

Recent advances in biotechnology and life science promise to improve quality of life all over the world. G8 leaders emphasized the need to rapidly release all raw fundamental data on human DNA sequences, while recognizing the necessity to promote post genome sequence research and intellectual property protection for gene-based inventions.

The Japanese government is now moving to encourage international cooperation to facilitate post genome sequence research and internationally harmonized standards that can guide the patentability of DNA. These issues will be discussed at G7 and trilateral patent agency meetings this fall.

Contact:

JETRO NY
Hidehiko Nishiyama
Executive Director
Tel: 212/997-0416
Fax: 212/997-0464
nishiyamah@newyork.jetro.org