Flanders concludes a top-level agreement with Japan on high technology

Flanders has concluded a major agreement with Japan on the development of Flemish chips and other top technology. Specifically, the Flemish research institute imec is partnering with the Japanese chip manufacturer Rapidus. The agreement was reached during a six-day trade mission led by Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon. “This agreement sets a bright spotlight on Flanders’ ambition to position itself globally as a dynamic and innovative knowledge region,” says Jan Jambon.

“Flanders has unique advantages in the field of nanotechnology. Almost all our universities are strongly committed to this innovative field. At the same time, imec is known worldwide as the leading reference for nanotech research. International collaborations – such as those between imec and Rapidus – are more crucial than ever to strengthen Competitiveness The extent to which companies in one country can compete with similar companies in another country. A law came into force in Belgium in 1996 to monitor competitiveness. This stipulates that Belgian salaries may not evolve faster than the average of those in the three neighbouring countries. The Central Economic Council (CEC) performs an annual measurement to see if the objectives have been obtained. competitiveness in the field of microchips and nanochips,” says Jan Jambon from Japan, where he is leading the Flemish trade delegation.

Highlight

The signing of the agreement is one of the highlights of the six-day trade mission through the land of the Rising Sun. “Together with the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, we confirmed our commitment to strengthen cooperation between Japan and Flanders concerning the semiconductor industries that are so important. Our trade and investment agency FIT is doing its utmost to foster partnerships in the fields of photonics, quantum technology and nanotechnology.”

Flemish start-ups

FIT is also joining forces with its Japanese counterpart JETRO to support the access of ambitious Flemish start-ups in Japan and to link Japanese companies to our strong technological network in Flanders. Fourteen Flemish start-ups are therefore taking part in the trade mission, along with 244 other participants. 

Security of supply

Jan Jambon also points out the need in the current geopolitical situation to “cooperate well with our friends in the world, such as Japan. Semiconductors such as chips have become one of the most essential commodities of the economy. That is why it is crucial to have control over the security of supply. Only more cooperation with like-minded countries and regions can prevent semiconductor shortages, such as there have been in recent months.”