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- Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kato Holds Meeting with H.E. Mr. Benjamin Gaezo, the Interministerial Representative of Strategic Mineral and Metal Resource Supplies, the French Republic
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Kato Holds Meeting with H.E. Mr. Benjamin Gaezo, the Interministerial Representative of Strategic Mineral and Metal Resource Supplies, the French Republic
July 2, 2025
On Tuesday July 1, Mr. Kato Akiyoshi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Benjamin Gaezo, the Interministerial Representative of Strategic Mineral and Metal Resource Supplies of the French Republic. They confirmed the enhancement of bilateral collaboration towards strengthening critical mineral supply chains.
During the meeting, Mr. Kato and Mr. Gaezo exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in the field of critical minerals, including topics related to the rare earth refining project in France.
This rare earth refining project symbolizes the collaboration between Japan and France. Both sides affirmed that the two governments would continue to support the project and deepen collaboration towards building resilient critical mineral supply chains between the two countries and diversifying critical mineral supply sources that are not dependent on specific countries.
Division in Charge
Mineral Resources Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau