Japan approves bill to help firms develop 5G, drone technologies

Japan’s cabinet on Tuesday approved a bill to support companies to develop secure 5G mobile networks and drone technologies, as Tokyo policymakers grow wary of the increasing influence of China’s hi-tech sector.

Companies which develop such technologies will be given access to low-interest rate loans from government-affiliated financial institutions, according to the bill.

That access will be based on whether the plans of these firms fulfil standards on cybersecurity.

The bill also said companies that adopt 5G technologies can get tax incentives if they meet standards set by the government.

The government will submit the bill to the National Diet, the country’s parliament, with the aim to bring it to effect around summer.