Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to continue their partnership to foster high-standards infrastructure development across the Indo-Pacific. The signing, featuring USTDA Deputy Director Thomas R. Hardy and JBIC Senior Executive Managing Officer Hiroki Sekine took place at the USTDA-sponsored Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (IPEM) in Tokyo, Japan, underscoring the strong U.S.-Japan partnership as co-hosts of IPEM.
“We are co-hosting IPEM with Japan as a close ally and partner in strengthening energy security in the Indo-Pacific. Today’s signing will continue our long-term relationship with JBIC as we pursue our shared commitment to ensuring all countries in the region have the infrastructure they need to meet their energy security goals,” said Mr. Hardy. “In addition to energy projects, the MOC opens avenues for partnership in other key sectors. Working together brings us closer to our collective vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The renewed MOC will continue the strong collaboration between USTDA and JBIC, facilitating joint project development, technical cooperation, and resource sharing for greater impact. Priority sectors include energy and power, with a focus on liquefied natural gas and small modular reactors. The MOC also emphasizes transportation and logistics, resilient supply chains and critical minerals, information and communications technology, healthcare, and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Through regular information sharing, joint events, and strategic outreach, this partnership promotes sustainable growth, enhances regional connectivity, and advances U.S. and Japanese commercial and national security interests throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Mr. Hiroki Sekine said: “JBIC and USTDA are aligned in their commitment to further strengthening our partnership through collaboration to promote projects that advance shared strategic objectives across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. By leveraging the complementary strengths of two globally recognized institutions, this partnership will support project development from the early stages of identification and formation, facilitating the participation of both Japanese and U.S. companies.”
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development in emerging markets, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and our overseas partners while creating opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. solutions. USTDA funds the upfront technical work that accelerates the development of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the financing they need for implementation and procurement of U.S. goods and services.
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