Singapore and Japan forge stronger bilateral ties to boost creative industries

Meeting of ministers from the two countries reaffirmed cooperation in the creative industries as an important new pillar of ties between the two countries.

Singapore’s Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr Yukio Edano met on 23 September 2011 in Singapore to discuss opportunities for stronger bilateral cooperation in the creative industries.

Both Ministers have reached a common understanding that globalization has offered fresh opportunities to both Singapore and Japan for deeper engagements on the cultural and economic fronts to respond to global and regional challenges, especially in the area of creative industries. The creative industries, which range from contemporary design to traditional craft, have long been recognized as an enabler to increase the economic value of products, services and experiences by adding new value such as design innovation; as well as to promote social inclusion, cultural diversity and creative manpower development. The creative industries also offer new opportunities for small, medium sized companies to be innovative and economically competitive as they work to enhance the quality of life for consumers in the region, according to a govenment report.

The two Ministers reaffirmed cooperation in the creative industries as an important new pillar of ties between Singapore and Japan and shared the view that cooperation will be explored in the following areas:

Promote cooperation in creative industries including capability-building and exchange of experts, and explore possibilities of joint market development in the region.
Encourage cooperation in the design industry towards the promotion of Design excellence through a "Good Design Award" in both countries; strengthen relations and further understanding of culture and business through the exchange of designers, knowledge and activities in the creative industries.
Strengthen business ties and mutual understanding through participation in exhibitions, seminars and other events organized within the creative industries of the two countries. (e.g. Cool Japan Months)
Set up meetings at the senior official-level to discuss further cooperation within the creative industries.

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