METI to Send Mineral Diplomatic Mission to Africa

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshihiro Nikai said at press conference on Tuesday the ministry sends mineral diplomatic mission with private sector delegations to Africa by September, subject to approval of the Diet. The minister tries to succeed rare metal securing effort by former minister Akira Amari. The minister sends mission led by the senior vice minister Takamori Yoshikawa to Botswana, Mozambique, Madagascar and South Africa from August 30 to September 9 as the first attempt. The mission includes delegations from appliances and machinery makers, trading firms and banks. The minister plans to send the second and third missions to eastern and western African countries to secure mineral resources to meet demand by Japanese companies.