Japan, US and Europe discuss China's rare earth mineral policy

Описание: (28 Mar 2012) 1. Wide of the Second Trilateral EU-Japan-US Conference on Critical Materials
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Keiro Kitagami, Japanese Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry:
"It is also important for all of us to continue the dialogue with China as a major rare earth producer. In this line we are ready to cooperate with the Chinese environmental protection if this is indeed the real reason for the reducing of exports."
3. Cutaway of participants
4. Wide of US Deputy Chief of Mission in Japan, Kurt Tong
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Kurt Tong, US Deputy Chief of Mission in Japan:
"Another critical part of this conversation needs to be discussion about the openness of markets, the transparency of regulatory mechanisms and the diversity of supply. We absolutely need to avoid a situation where supply constraints in one country can unduly impact markets around the world."
6. Cutaway of participants
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Renzo Tomellini, European Commission Directorate General for Research and Innovation:
"I mention that what we are working at is a call for proposal, solicitation, a "kobo" (Japanese for an open call for proposal), where European researchers will have financial contribution only if Japanese researchers will be in the team. So this is a very powerful induction power that the public authorities have and we are working on this."
8. Cutaway of participants
9. Mid shot of Tomellini at podium
STORYLINE:
A joint seminar between Japan, the European Union and the United States was being held in Tokyo on Wednesday to find ways to cope with the shortage of rare earth minerals and other materials.
The Second Trilateral EU-Japan-US Conference on Critical Materials comes after the three economies filed complaints with the World Trade Organisation two weeks ago.
The complaint charges that China is limiting its export of rare earth minerals that are vital to the production of high-tech goods.
Japanese Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Keiro Kitagami called for further dialogue with China, saying, "We are ready to cooperate with the Chinese environmental protection, if this is indeed the real reason for reducing exports."
US Deputy Chief of Mission in Japan Kurt Tong emphasised the importance of open market regulations and diversifying supplies of rare earths to reduce dependence on China.
"We absolutely need to avoid a situation where supply constraints in one country can unduly impact markets around the world," Tong said.
China accounts for more than 90 percent of global production of 17 rare earth minerals that are used to make goods including hybrid cars, weapons, flat-screen TVs, mobile phones, mercury-vapour lights, and camera lenses.
Global manufacturers that depend on Chinese supplies were alarmed by Beijing's decision in 2009 to limit exports while it built up an industry to produce lightweight magnets and other goods that use them.
The government defended the curbs citing environmental concerns and the need to preserve scarce resources.
To tackle the issue, the three economies are moving forward with developing alternative materials to rare earths, as well as ways to diversify supplies by building mines in resource-rich countries.
Representatives from Australia and Canada are also participating in the conference.
Renzo Tomellini, of the European Commission Directorate General for Research and Innovation said the region will be providing funding for research done in cooperation with Japanese organisations, and stressed the importance of pursuing multilateral initiatives.

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...