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- Minister Akazawa Attends the G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting (Online)
Minister Akazawa Attends the G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting (Online)
February 23, 2026
On February 23, 2026, Mr. Akazawa Ryosei, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), attended the online G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting and discussed approaches to cooperation among like-minded countries toward strengthening critical mineral supply chains.
1. Overview of the Meeting
On February 23, 2026, Minister Akazawa attended the online G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting hosted by the French Republic. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Matsuo Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, METI, and Mr. Akahori Takeshi, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
The meeting consisted of active discussions on approaches to cooperation among like-minded countries toward strengthening critical mineral supply chains. In addition, views were exchanged on WTO reform and each country’s priorities in preparation for the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), to be held from Thursday, March 26, 2026.
2. Highlights of Minister Akazawa’s Remarks
Minister Akazawa stated that it is an urgent priority for the G7 countries to cooperate in establishing alternative sources of critical minerals and that Japan intends to engage in constructive discussions with like-minded countries toward strengthening critical mineral supply chains, taking into account the actual state of industry.
Division in Charge
Office of the Principal Director, International Economic Affairs Department, Trade Policy Bureau