GDS delegation in Japan, as cooperation deal signed

The UK and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to deepen ties on digital government transformation.

The UK was represented in-person by Government Digital Service CEO Tom Read, and remotely by Minister Jeremy Quin - and Japan was represented by Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro and the ceremony took place in Tokyo.

To coincide with the MoC signing, the UK sent a delegation of digital experts to take part in workshops, teach-ins and policy exchanges with Japan’s Digital Agency.

"We are happy to welcome the GDS delegation as we have learned from the UK’s experience in delivering our own digital government initiatives, like the establishment of the Digital Agency," said Japan’s Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro. "By sharing expertise and lessons learned, we are assisting each other in promoting digital transformation in the government and across society to ensure no one is left behind."

The MoC establishes links between the UK’s Government Digital Service (GDS) and Japan’s Digital Agency. The two agencies will work together to exchange knowledge and strategies to promote the adoption, design and diffusion of digital tools and services across public sectors in the UK and Japan.

Cooperation will also focus on sharing best practices in training and building technical capabilities across government departments and agencies, and delivering greater efficiencies in government procurement and spending.

"By sharing expertise in areas like digital government transformation, we look to support each other in delivering better services and unlocking greater opportunities for our citizens and businesses," said Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, Minister Jeremy Quin.

The MoC comes after the UK and Japan announced deepening digital collaboration in May 2022, which covers all facets of joint digital priorities including digital infrastructure, data, digital regulation and standards as well as digital transformation.