Minister Akazawa Attends Trade Ministerial Meeting on Critical Minerals Held by the Honorable Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative

On Friday, February 13 (local time), a trade ministerial meeting on critical minerals was held by the Honorable Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative. Minister Akazawa, who was visiting the United States, attended this meeting. Ministerial-level representatives of the following countries also participated in it online: Australia, Canada, European Union, French Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of India, Italian Republic, United Mexican States, Republic of Korea, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Participants engaged in active discussions on possible forms of cooperation　towards establishing resilient supply chains for critical minerals. Minister Akazawa stated that securing stable supply of critical minerals and strengthening supply chain resilience are vital for Japan’s technological innovation and industrial competitiveness, which requires advancing its domestic and international policy efforts. He also emphasized that Japan is eager to promote discussions with like-minded countries, taking into account the actual state of industry.

Divisions in Charge

• International Economic Affairs Department, Trade Policy Bureau

• Mineral Resources Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau