Japan is a fascinating country steeped in history and rich in culture.  It pursues the cutting edge of technology while it honors its traditions.

Cloud Computing: Japan remains at the top of the global cloud services market. BSA, The Software Alliance, ranked Japan as the number two market in its 2018 Global Cloud Computing Scoreboard.  Japan’s comprehensive suite of modern laws, as well as privacy legislation, contributed to its high ranking, as these factors support and facilitate the digital economy and cloud computing.  Further, Japan has one of the most extensive broadband fiber deployments with the largest number of fiber users in the world and an increasing adoption of cloud services by Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises.

Cybersecurity:  As Japan prepares for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, cybersecurity has been given increased attention in response to a rise in frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks. Such attacks create major concern for the safety of infrastructure and the data-dependent Internet of Things (IoT) networks. In recent years, CS Japan has observed the rapid rise of American cybersecurity companies doing business in Japan, which indicates the United States has an advantageous position against foreign and domestic competitors. This is particularly the case for firms that offer turn-key cybersecurity solution for small-and-medium-sized enterprises in Japan.   

Semiconductors:  Japan has the third largest electronics manufacturing industry in the world and is the United States’ fourth largest export market for semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The Japanese semiconductor market is expected to grow from $32.1 billion in 2017 to $36.6 billion in 2018. This growth presents U.S. companies with numerous opportunities, especially for those that supply chips for smartphone displays, computer server/data storage equipment, electronic measuring instruments and electro-medical equipment, the Internet of Things, and automotive electronics and Artificial Intelligence. New sectors in 2018 that will contribute to growing demand are data centers, industrial automation, and deep learning – a subfield of AI technology.

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo is organizing a U.S. Pavilion at CEATEC Japan 2018, October 16-18, Mukahari Messe near Tokyo. Limited space still remains. For more information, contact Tatyana Aguirre.

To learn more about Tech and Cybersecurity opportunities in Japan, contact Brittany Banta and Atsuko Shimada  at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

Since its independence, Latvia has made large investments in both telecommunication and high-speed data transmission networks. These investments, which are expected to continue have seen U.S. companies score recent successes competing for government contracts, providing technology and services.
 
Both Internet and electronic commerce are rapidly penetrating the Latvian market and increasing the need for information and communications technologies (ICT) products, services, and support.  The total ICT sector turnover has reached approximately $4 billion, and the sector accounts for approximately 4.7% of total GDP. Among the leading segments are computer services, computer software, computer hardware and peripherals, and telecommunications services, have significantly increased their roles in Latvia's economy during recent years.  There are approximately 6,000 companies operating in the Latvian ICT sector.

The rapid development of the Tech sector has given rise to opportunities in the fields of data and network security.  This sector will grow, especially accounting for the growing popularity of online banking in the country.  Opportunities can also be found in: Internet/intranet systems and networks implementation, education and training, support services, software development and re-design, enterprise resource planning services, implementation of Internet B2B software, development of payment card systems, adaptation of foreign software, development of electronic communications, and development of call centers.

For more information on Tech and Cybersecurity opportunities in Latvia, contact Guntars Vičmanis at the U.S. Embassy in Riga. Additionally, U.S. companies interested in Latvia may consider attending 5G Techritory's 5G Ecosystem Forum in Riga, September 27-28th. More information available at www.5gtechritory.com.

The U.S. Commercial Service's Global Tech & Cybersecurity Team is excited to announce that Sheryl Hitomi, with our office in San Jose, CA, has been selected as the Team's Acting Director. Based in Silicon Valley, Sheryl has been an International Trade Specialist since 2014, and covers the ICT/Tech & Cybersecurity and Media & Entertainment sector portfolios. Prior to joining the Commercial Service, Sheryl spent several years in France working in business development and sales at a start-up. While with the company, she helped achieve exponential growth in B2B export sales and secured the brand’s presence in high-end retailers in over 40 countries.

Among the Tech & Cybersecurity Team projects Sheryl has led are: Commercial Service programs at NAB Show and CES, as well as U.S. Pavilion support at ConnecTechAsia, SEMICON Japan and CEATAC. She will be attending Mobile World Congress Americas in Los Angeles with a group of Global Tech Trade Specialists for outreach and partner development.

Sheryl is proficient in French and Japanese. She was honored to serve as a National Security Education Program Boren Scholar to Japan while studying at Waseda University. She graduated summa cum laude with Bachelor’s degrees in Japanese and International Relations from California State University Sacramento, and holds a Master’s degree in International Trade from Université Blaise Pascal in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Sheryl is also a Certificated Export Specialist through the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America. 

As Acting Director of the Global Tech & Cybersecurity Team, Sheryl is replacing Michael Marangell who is beginning a new role as a Commercial Officer with the U.S. Dept. of Commerce's Foreign Commercial Service.

To reach Sheryl, email: Sheryl.Hitomi@trade.gov. 

Join the U.S. Commercial Service and 300 tech leaders in the largest U.S. event focused on the Brazilian digital market. Discuss the Brazilian investment market, health tech in emerging markets, AI’s impact on careers, Destination Brazil featuring US tech companies, the State of Entrepreneurship in Brazil & more! Conference time: 9am-6pm. Ticket includes breakfast, lunch and cocktail reception. Reserve your seat. RSVP today!

For more information, contact Ludwika Alvarez with our office in San Francisco.