Saudi Arabia, Japan Reach Strategic Partnership to Develop Digital Economy

The Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Japan’s Digital Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning digital economy.
The Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Japan’s Digital Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning digital economy.
TT

Saudi Arabia, Japan Reach Strategic Partnership to Develop Digital Economy

The Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Japan’s Digital Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning digital economy.
The Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Japan’s Digital Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning digital economy.

The Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Japan’s Digital Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding concerning digital economy, developing digital government and accelerating the adoption of modern technologies, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

The agreement was reached during the visit headed by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha to Japan to boost partnership in the fields of technology, innovation and space.

Under its terms, the two countries will cooperate to promote and support government digital services, including digital platforms, e-signatures and documentation, build capacity and share knowledge.

The two sides will also cooperate in research and innovation, establishing research teams to develop digital government services and exchange best practices and policies that enable the use of emerging technologies in businesses and improve customer experience.

The memorandum was signed by Al-Swaha and Japanese Minister for Digital Transformation Kono Taro; several officials from both sides attended the signing ceremony.



China Vows to Protect its Rights against US Chip Probe

A Chinese flag is displayed next to a "Made in China" sign seen on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo
A Chinese flag is displayed next to a "Made in China" sign seen on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo
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China Vows to Protect its Rights against US Chip Probe

A Chinese flag is displayed next to a "Made in China" sign seen on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo
A Chinese flag is displayed next to a "Made in China" sign seen on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo

China's commerce ministry vowed on Monday to take all necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests in response to the United States' investigation into the Chinese semiconductor industry.

The investigation will disrupt global chip supply chains and harm the interests of US firms and consumers, the ministry statement said.

On Monday, the Biden administration announced a last-minute trade investigation into Chinese-made "legacy" semiconductors that could heap more US tariffs on chips from China that power everyday goods from autos to washing machines to telecoms gear, Reuters reported.

The "Section 301" probe, launched just four weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20, will be handed over to his administration in January for completion, Biden administration officials said.

The effort could offer Trump a ready avenue to begin imposing some of the hefty, 60% tariffs that he has threatened on Chinese imports.

Departing President Joe Biden has already imposed a 50% US tariff on Chinese semiconductors that starts on Jan. 1. His administration has tightened export curbs on advanced AI and memory chips and chipmaking equipment to China and also recently increased tariffs to 50% on Chinese solar wafers and polysilicon.