On October 12, a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Economic and Trade Relations was signed between the governments of Japan and the State of Florida, United States of America. The MOC was signed by Mr. KOMURA Masahiro, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Honourable Cord Byrd, Secretary of the State of Florida in Tokyo. The objective of the MOC is to further the bilateral ties shared by Japan and Florida and strengthen them. It recognizes how the existing economic ties have been mutually beneficial and particularly mentions sectors that require greater cooperation, such as infrastructure and ground transportation; aerospace, aviation, and Defense; logistics; clean energy and sustainability; life sciences and biotechnology; academic cooperation; and sister cities, sister states, and sister port partnerships.
Infrastructure and Ground Transportation:
Both Japan and Florida recognize the importance of modern infrastructure and ground transportation services. The MOC welcomes the contribution of Japanese companies to improving rail as well as transport infrastructure in Florida. There would also be frequent exchange of views with regards to safety, environmental compatibility, reliability, technology, and economic benefits.
Aerospace, Aviation and Defense:
When it comes to the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries, Japan-US relations have already shown considerable progress. There is a further possibility of promoting space business cooperation with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Space Florida being in discussion.
Logistics:
Japan has been able to expand its business in the US, Latin America and the Caribbean through Florida’s geostrategic vantage point. Both Florida and Japan will continue to explore more avenues to further this expansion.
Clean Energy and Sustainability:
Both sides are committed to looking for high-energy power generation and an affordable energy supply. The contribution of Orlando-based Mitsubishi Power Americas in this regard has been appreciated by both Japan and Florida.
Science, Technology, and Academics:
Life science and technology are Florida’s primary exports to Japan. The MOC pledges an increase in the exchange of information, research, and innovation in this sector. This would also be facilitated by academic collaborations and student exchange programs at the level of schools, colleges, universities, and research institutes.
Forms of Cooperation:
The MOC envisions cooperation in the form of various projects, both infrastructural and technological. Introduction to incentivizing programs, capacity-building support would also be part of the cooperation activities. Cooperative research and development in the field of science and technology would be carried out among universities and institutes of both sides, along with the joint organization of multilateral consortiums, seminars, conferences, and training programs.
Implementation:
To oversee the implementation of the MOC, relevant ministries from both sides would be designated. For example, on behalf of Japan, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Defense, etc. would work with Florida’s Department of Commerce, Select Florida and the Department of State.
Conclusion:
Florida and Japan already have deep economic ties. With many Japanese companies investing in Florida, they are responsible for creating around 19,000 jobs. With the signing of this MOC, the existing bilateral ties would be further strengthened, leading to greater development in the above sectors. Furthermore, this MOC would also help strengthen the relationship between Japan and the US, as this is the fourth MOC signed between the two countries, following California, Washington, Maryland, and Indiana.
