Latest news with #TradeandIndustryMinistry
Daily Maverick
5 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
US-SA trade deal still in limbo as tariff deadline looms
The Trade and Industry Ministry says it is still awaiting 'substantive feedback' from the US on its trade proposal as the 1 August deadline looms. South Africa and the US have still not reached a trade deal, days before US President Donald Trump's 30% tariff on South African goods is due to take effect. In a statement on Tuesday, 29 July, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) said it remained committed to the conclusion of a trade agreement with the US, as it waits for feedback from the Trump administration on its trade proposal. 'The intersection of geopolitical, domestic and trade issues best defines the current impasse between South Africa and the United States, and a reset is unavoidable,' read the statement. 'Our view is that negotiations remain the best tool to deal with the issues that are on the table… We remain committed to the cause as we await substantive feedback from our US counterparts on the final status [of] our framework deal,' it continued. Earlier this month, Trump announced that he would impose a 30% tariff on South African exports to the US from 1 August. Multiple other countries are also facing varying tariff rates. While some countries, including the UK, Japan and Vietnam, have bagged trade agreements with the US, not a single African nation has reached a deal with America. 'Prepared for several potential scenarios' After Trump announced his global ' reciprocal ' tariffs in April, before agreeing to suspend their application for 90 days, Pretoria was eager to begin negotiations with America over tariffs. It proffered a proposed framework deal to US trade representatives in Washington in May, before President Cyril Ramaphosa and Trump met at the White House. Pretoria was later told it needed to revise this proposal, in accordance with the Trump administration's new template for US trade with sub-Saharan Africa, which it was told would be shared ' soon '. However, it appeared that as of Tuesday, Pretoria was still waiting for this template. 'As the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, we have been in a period of intense negotiations with the United States. We have signed a condition precedent document and have readied our inputs for entry into the template, which is to follow from the US,' it said. Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) director-general Zane Dangor said on Tuesday, there were no guarantees of a trade deal with the US by 1 August, with issues such as black economic empowerment (BEE) obscuring matters, according to a News24 report. If implemented, Trump's punishing tariffs will kneecap South African industries, including the automotive sector and the citrus industry. But the DTIC suggested it was preparing for other eventualities should a deal not be signed. 'Despite the challenges that have been presented by this period, we have put our best foot forward, bringing together the subject specialists within our ranks that have dug deep to ensure that our country is adequately prepared for a number of potential scenarios. 'We have planned for these scenarios and have not sat idle. We are working with other government departments on a response plan, which includes a support desk within the DTIC. Our response package also focuses on demand side interventions in the impacted industries,' it said. The DTIC said it had no intention of 'decoupling' from the US. Details of the trade proposal Pretoria's initial trade proposal included deals on agriculture, critical minerals, automotives and other exports. According to the DTIC, some of the elements of the framework deal include: Importing 75-100 petajoules of liquefied natural gas from the US for a 10-year period, unlocking $12-billion. The simplification of US poultry exports under the 2016 tariff rate quota, which is expected to unlock about $91-million in trade. In addition, readiness to open market access for blueberries, subject to the necessary protocols. A commitment from South African firms to invest $3.3-billion in US industries such as mining and metals recycling, with an agreement from both governments to pursue joint investment in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and agricultural machinery. The exemption of specific sectors from reciprocal tariffs to preserve supply chains. For example, ship-building, counter-seasonal agricultural trade, and exports from MSMEs [micro, small and medium enterprises] of less than $1-million per year. DM
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Govt to Support Domestic Mass Production of Next-Generation Solar Cells; Aims for 1GW Annual Production Capacity by '30
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry plans to promote the domestic mass production of next-generation perovskite solar cells. Using a government fund, the ministry plans to select companies to support within this fiscal year with the aim of achieving an annual production capacity of about 1 gigawatt, which is sufficient to meet the energy needs of about 300,000 government aims to further popularize the adoption of solar power generation by also strengthening support for tandem solar panels, which utilize both silicon and perovskite cells. These panels are expected to be capable of achieving power generation efficiency of 1.5 times to 2 times greater than conventional solar panels. Tandem solar panels can also easily replace conventional solar panels as they can use the same mounts and wiring. Using the Green Innovation Fund, aimed at promoting decarbonization technologies, the ministry will provide financial support for the development and demonstration of mass production technologies. Companies eligible for support will be required to reduce power generation costs to 12 yen or less per kilowatt-hour, which is about 10% less than for conventional solar panels, and achieve a lifespan of about 20 years. As key players for domestic production, the ministry envisages such companies as Kaneka Corp. — a chemical manufacturer leading the development of tandem cells — and Choshu Industry Co. — which holds about a 20% share of the domestic market for solar cells for residential use. As domestic companies account for as much as about 70% of the residential solar cell market, the ministry considers this an area with potential for expansion. In the solar cell sector, Chinese manufacturers are leading the market, with multiple companies having already begun mass production of tandem cells, a stage no Japanese company has yet reached. Choshu Industry plans to set up a test line at its main factory by the end of this year, aiming to start mass production as soon as possible. In the development of perovskite solar cells, Sekisui Chemical Co. is leading the market with a thin and lightweight film type, while Panasonic Corp. is pioneering a glass type that can be used as a building material.
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Unauthorized AI Generation: How Can Rights of Voice Actors, Singers Be Protected?
The act of using artificial intelligence to generate voices that sound identical to those of voice actors and singers and uploading them to the internet has been rampant. Discussions should be deepened on how to protect their 'voice rights.' The internet is flooded with videos of voice actors speaking lines unrelated to works in which they participated and singers performing other singers' songs. It is believed that such content has been created by training generative AI without permission to create highly similar voices. The Japan Actors Union, whose members include many voice actors, has reported that it confirmed about 270 such cases in an investigation that was conducted over a three-month period. The union and other organizations have called for obtaining consent from rights holders when AI is used to learn voices, and they have also urged people to clearly indicate when content is generated by AI. For voice actors and singers, their voices are 'products' crafted through training and experience accumulated for years. If videos posted online get views and earn profits by using their voices, this act appears to constitute a clear infringement on their rights. Works such as text and musical compositions are protected by the Copyright Law, but voices have been interpreted conventionally as not falling under this protection. Celebrities and athletes are said to have the 'right of publicity,' which allows them to exclusively use their names and likenesses. However, whether this right also covers voices remains unclear. The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has warned that acts — such as a case in which voices of voice actors and other related parties were created by AI without their consent to produce alarm clocks and such products were sold — could constitute a violation of the Unfair Competition Prevention Law. However, some people argue that applying this law is difficult because proving a violation requires the AI-generated voice to be immediately recognizable as the voice of a specific person, among other requirements. In the U.S. state of Tennessee, a law was enacted last year to protect individuals' rights to their voices and likenesses from digital reproduction. It is hoped that Japan will explore ways to institute legal protection by referring to such instances. In the process of considering that, various issues will likely arise, such as how to handle impersonations by entertainers. Certain considerations may be necessary to prevent a decline in forms of cultural expression such as parody. Japan amended the Copyright Law in 2018 to allow AI tools to learn text and music without permission. As a result, the act of having AI learn animation and other works has become legal, creating a situation in which voices have been used freely without consent from rights holders. It is necessary to amend the law again to stave off unauthorized AI training in the first place. The use of AI has also raised concerns over issues such as fake videos featuring politicians that could influence elections and the spread of sexually explicit fake images, including child pornography. Measures against these deepfakes, among other problems, also must be implemented urgently. (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 27, 2025)
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Shine a spotlight on our semiconductor makers'
Beacon of the region: Anwar (third from left) visiting booths at the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025, accompanied by Tengku Zafrul (second from left). — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Malaysians must take pride in having not just 'Made in Malaysia' goods but also those that are 'Made by Malaysians' such as semiconductors, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'Our mindset must shift from just having 'Made in Malaysia' products to creating 'Made by Malaysian' products.' 'In terms of growing 10 semiconductor firms with revenue of more than US$1bil and 100 others with revenue less than RM1bil, I am proud to share that Malaysia now has at least 13 homegrown companies (across the semiconductor value chain) emerging as potential national champions. 'Less than 50 years from now, we want Malaysia to be able to look back at this moment as the tipping point when the country began grooming its very own Fortune 500 tech companies.' Malaysia is currently the world's sixth largest exporter of semiconductors. Anwar, who spoke at the closing of the Asean Semiconductor Summit 2025 here yesterday, said investors are always welcome but Malaysia would be more strategic and prudent by choosing partners 'who strengthen our supply chains, transfer their knowledge and technologies, and deliver real value to Malaysians'. He also pointed out that the National Semiconductor Strategy launched last year has proven to be successful as Malaysia has secured more than RM63bil worth of investments for the industry as of March this year. This comprised RM58bil from foreign sources with the rest from domestic sources. 'Our established semiconductor ecosystem is well-poised to help us move beyond an FDI-first model and focus on building homegrown champions. 'We want long-term collaborators who grow with us. The most important target now is to deliver the 10+100. 'This means building 10 Malaysian semiconductor and supply chain companies with revenues between RM1bil and RM4.7bil, and nurturing at least 100 more to approach the RM1bil mark. 'These companies will not only export Malaysian products to the world, but also bring our knowledge, value creation and talent into Asean and the global markets. They will be our flag bearers abroad, rooted at home.' Anwar said more than 60,000 engineers would be created in a partnership between the Collaborative Research in Engineering, Science and Technology under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry and HRD Corp under the Human Resources Ministry with an allocation of RM1.2bil over five years. He also called on Asean countries to work as a community to address the shortage in skilled workers for the semiconductor industry. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said 'Made by Malaysia' is a vision that requires a whole-of-nation effort. 'Every RM1 spent triggers over RM2 in direct output across the economy – through supply chains, supporting sectors and household incomes. 'In total, the industry generated RM4.9 trillion in economic output last year, underscoring its role as a national multiplier,' he said. He also said Asean countries must move beyond fragmented efforts and instead embrace a collective 'race to the top,' leveraging each nation's unique strengths.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Urges ASEAN Unity To Build Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is ready to collaborate with ASEAN partners and beyond through joint investments, research partnerships and knowledge sharing to turn regional ambitions into reality, said Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong. Speaking at the ASEAN Semiconductor Summit (ASEMIS) 2025, Liew stated that ASEAN's strength lies in unity, underpinned by its strategic location, vibrant workforce, strong innovation and manufacturing capabilities, and a growing digital economy. 'What we need now is policy alignment, infrastructure readiness and cross-border collaboration to realise this potential,' he said. Liew said that as Malaysia chairs ASEAN this year, one of its key Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) is the development of an ASEAN Framework for an Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain, which is targeted for completion before Malaysia hands over the chairmanship. Moreover, he said Malaysia's sophisticated semiconductor ecosystem is well-positioned to move from outsourced manufacturing – 'Made in Malaysia' – to a new emphasis on 'Made by Malaysia': the creation of Malaysian technologies. The country aims for more Malaysian companies to evolve into multinational corporations (MNCs), innovating technologies for the world. 'Also, together with ASEAN companies, to build a sustainable and resilient value chain. Our policies should be geared towards creating Malaysian, Singaporean and ASEAN semiconductor MNCs in the future,' he said. Malaysia's commitment was reaffirmed last year when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), a bold and forward-looking policy aimed at positioning Malaysia as a global hub for semiconductor innovation, manufacturing excellence and advanced talent development. At the heart of the NSS is the goal to create 10 Malaysian technology companies with US$1 billion in annual revenue each, and another 100 semiconductor-related local companies with RM1 billion in annual revenue, he added.
