Iran, Japan underscore expansion of ties in AI, digital economy
Deputy ministers of communications from Iran and Japan placed a premium on the expansion of technological collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital economy, and sustainable communication infrastructure development during a strategic meeting in Tokyo, marking a milestone in forging deeper, long-term technological ties between the two nations.
Ehsan Chitsaz, deputy for policy-making, ICT development planning, and digital economy at Iran’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, met with Tako Imagawa, deputy for international affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), during his visit to Tokyo, ISNA reported. The meeting, part of Iran’s ongoing pursuit of its “Technology Diplomacy” strategy initiated by Minister Sattar Hashemi, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties in technology and innovation. During the talks, the two sides emphasized the need to enhance strategic cooperation in AI, digital economy, technology governance, and sustainable communication infrastructure development.
Chitsaz outlined the Ministry of Communications’ action plan, detailing Iran’s vision for digital transformation and a smart economy.
He highlighted Iran’s strategic initiatives in AI, bolstering communication infrastructure, supporting the startup ecosystem, and data governance, describing collaboration with Japan as a pivotal opportunity to advance these programs.
Key proposals from Chitsaz included establishing an “Iran-Japan Digital Innovation Center” for joint technological research, startups, and innovation; bilateral cooperation in policymaking for emerging technologies like AI, big data, and platform regulation; and specialized workforce development in the digital economy through joint academic programs.
The deputy minister urged Japan to support Iran’s active participation in international technology and communications forums.
Imagawa, who brings a distinguished background in international communications policy and academic roles at institutions like Tokyo, Waseda, and Stanford universities, welcomed the proposals and expressed Japan’s readiness to embark on a new chapter of digital collaboration with Iran. “Iran is pursuing digital transformation with a domestic, long-term vision. Japan supports this approach and is fully prepared to operationalize constructive proposals to advance our cooperation,” Imagawa said. The two sides agreed to establish a joint working group to implement the outlined objectives.