SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has proposed the creation of a joint US-Japan sovereign wealth fund aimed at investing in large-scale technology and infrastructure projects across the United States. The concept, discussed with key political figures including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has yet to become a formal proposal but is gaining attention amid ongoing US-Japan trade negotiations.
Key Features of the Proposed Fund
- Joint Ownership: The fund would be co-owned and operated by the US Treasury and Japan’s Ministry of Finance, potentially inviting other investors and offering public ownership to citizens of both countries.
- Initial Capital: The proposed fund could start with $300 billion in capital and be heavily leveraged to achieve substantial investment power.
- Investment Focus: The fund would target investments in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure projects, including artificial intelligence, data centers, and advanced logistics networks.
Strategic Implications
The proposed sovereign wealth fund represents a new model for international financial cooperation, aiming to strengthen economic ties between the US and Japan. It could also serve as a diplomatic tool, helping Japan secure a more stable investment framework with the US amidst political unpredictability.
For the US, the fund offers a potential alternative revenue stream without increasing taxes, aligning with Treasury Secretary Bessent’s search for innovative financial solutions. mint
Connection to the Stargate Project
Masayoshi Son has previously unveiled the $500 billion Stargate project, aiming to build advanced AI infrastructure in the US in collaboration with companies like OpenAI and Oracle. The proposed sovereign wealth fund could provide the necessary capital to support such ambitious initiatives, further integrating AI and technology into the US economy.
