H. E. Mr Hideo HIRAOKA State Secretary for Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications 2. The Importance of ICT Over the past 20 years, the ICT business has been developed dramatically and providing various tech-nologies and services which have become the basic in-frastructure for our daily lives. Now it is a common un-derstanding that ICT related industries are playing an essential role as a driving force for economic growth in every country around the world. In other words, we as policy makers are responsible for the future of our society and our discussions at this ITU Plenipotentiary Conference will have a direct bear-ing on this future. With this understanding and the fact that ICT services have become a fundamental infrastructure in support of democracy by connecting people and future eco-nomic growth, the Japanese government has formu-lated a national ICT Growth Strategy. 1. Opening Remarks There are three key points in this strategy. Firstly, to ensure that all households in Japan utilize broadband services by around 2015. Secondly, to revitalize local communities and create jobs through extensive and widespread utilization of ICT in all sectors of society. And thirdly, to tackle environmental issues and con-tribute Thank you Mr. Chairman. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor for me to be able to speak at this prestigious Plenipotentiary Conference here in the beautiful city of Guadalajara. to related activities as one of the leading coun-tries in this field. With respect to broadcasting, the Japanese government has decided to complete the transition from analog ter-restrial On behalf of the government of Japan, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the efforts made by ITU Secretary-General Dr. Hamadoun Touré and the ITU Secretariat for their preparations as well as the government of Mexico who helped to make this conference possible. broadcasting to digital terrestrial broadcasting by July 2011. Digital terrestrial broadcasting can be re-ceived without interference in remote and mountainous areas and by mobile phone without additional facilities and investment. Also, it creates new businesses and jobs and helps to stimulate the economy by enabling us to provide interactive services such as e-government, e-health I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratula-tions and e-education. In addition, it is the ideal solu-tion for bridging the digital divide. to Mr. Fernando Borjon Figueroa on his election as Chairperson for this important conference. 22