U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Saito Ken, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Ahn Duk-geun convened in Washington for the inaugural meeting of Commerce and Industry Ministers. The meeting aligns with the vision set by their leaders at the Trilateral Summit at Camp David on August 18, 2023.
The ministers resolved to focus on strategic areas to enhance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Their goals include promoting critical and emerging technologies and strengthening economic resilience. They emphasized cooperation to bolster supply chains in key sectors such as semiconductors and batteries while adhering to principles like transparency, diversification, security, sustainability, trustworthiness, and reliability.
The ministers aim to deepen coordination on export controls for advanced technologies, enhance private sector partnerships for research related to industrial technologies, develop international standards for artificial intelligence (AI), expand collaboration on critical minerals, strengthen economic security measures, and support long-term economic cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
Addressing potential supply chain vulnerabilities due to non-market policies was highlighted as a priority. The ministers expressed concerns over economic dependencies that could lead to systemic vulnerabilities. They intend to promote a level playing field through coordinated efforts considering both economic factors and principles on resilient supply chains.
On semiconductors: "We reaffirm our recognition of the essential role that semiconductors play in a wide range of industries," they stated.
Regarding clean energy: "Recognizing the need to reduce carbon intensity... we reaffirm the importance of trilateral cooperation."
For critical minerals: "We further reaffirm the importance of increasing availability... including through enhanced processing."
On export controls: "Our three countries have an inherent interest in promoting responsible use... while denying technological advances" that threaten global peace.
In AI: "We are aligned on enhancing cooperation... establishing interoperable standards" for AI safety.
Concerning cybersecurity: The ministers acknowledged its significance for economic security and praised NIST's Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 release.
They also recognized technical standards' crucial role in interoperability and innovation across strategic sectors. Progress made at the June IPEF Ministerial meeting in Singapore was welcomed alongside agreements signed there.
Looking ahead: "We pledge to support investment into one another’s economies," with plans for annual ministerial meetings and ongoing team engagements between sessions.
