The Ambassador stated that Jujuy is rich in lithium, copper and silver, and highlighted the presence of Japanese company Toyota Tsusho in the province.
By Panorama Minero
Japan’s Ambassador to Argentina, Yoshitaka Hoshino, highlighted the potential of Jujuy’s mineral resources and expressed his expectation that the presence of Japanese companies in Argentina would increase. During his first visit to the province, he met with Governor Carlos Sadir and representatives of the Chamber of Foreign Trade to discuss opportunities related to mining, energy and international trade.
“Jujuy is very rich in all kinds of minerals, whether lithium, copper or silver,” the diplomat told PANORAMA MINERO, referring to the importance of strategic resources for Japan and the need to strengthen its supply chains. In this regard, he stated: “We hope to see more Japanese business activity in the near future.”
He highlighted that, of the 77 Japanese companies established in Argentina, only two are located outside Buenos Aires Province and the City of Buenos Aires: one in Córdoba and another in Jujuy, linked to the lithium sector.
The latter is Toyota Tsusho Corporation, which produces lithium carbonate alongside Rio Tinto at the Olaroz salt flat in Jujuy.
“Since 2015, we have had a company here in Jujuy involved in joint lithium production at the Olaroz salt flat, together with Rio Tinto. It is called Toyota Tsusho,” he explained.
Hoshino was accompanied by Jamaki Takuya, Second Secretary and Officer in Charge of Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Japan.
The agenda included meetings with provincial authorities and representatives of Rio Tinto, a company operating in the lithium sector with Japanese capital participation.
The official meeting with Sadir took place at the provincial government hangar at the airport and was also attended by Belén Pastrana, Secretary for Regional Integration and Foreign Affairs.
The Governor highlighted the importance of Japanese investment in Jujuy and noted that the province is among the small number of jurisdictions outside Buenos Aires receiving investment from Japanese companies, alongside Córdoba.
He also welcomed the opportunity to deepen economic ties and cooperation between the two countries.
The Ambassador’s visit also included a community cooperation initiative: the donation by Japan of a fire engine to the Perico Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Sadir described the contribution as significant in strengthening emergency response capabilities.
In parallel, Hoshino met with representatives of the Jujuy Chamber of Foreign Trade, led by its President, Jorge Gurrieri, together with Vice-President Sebastián Mealla, Treasurer Sebastián Lucero and Coordinator Ivonne Milalleu.
Gurrieri described the meeting as productive and explained that one of its objectives was to explore which products from Jujuy could enter the Japanese market.
“We will continue discussions with the commercial attaché to see which products we might be able to offer and sell,” he said.
The Chamber President also raised the need to assess logistics costs and market access conditions, noting that Japan maintains trade relations with Pacific coast countries such as Chile and Peru.
These relationships represent a competitive challenge for Argentine production.
Chamber representatives also highlighted the tariff difficulties faced by certain Argentine products in Japan due to the absence of a free trade agreement between the two countries.
Mealla cited the more favourable conditions enjoyed by Chilean wine compared with Argentine wine as an example.
Gurrieri maintained that negotiations towards a trade agreement could take several years.
“We have to be realistic about what he told us,” He stated, referring to the time required to make progress in this area.
For his part, Mealla highlighted that the meeting provided an opportunity to present Jujuy’s production and service capabilities, including the knowledge economy, and to establish channels of dialogue for future initiatives.
“He took away our request to raise these matters with his authorities as well, in order to open up opportunities for Jujuy,” he stated.
Sebastián Lucero also welcomed the Ambassador’s willingness to facilitate contacts between companies and explore business opportunities.
During the meeting, participants exchanged views on Argentina’s economic environment, trade liberalisation and opportunities for cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Another topic discussed was the possibility of promoting Jujuy as a tourist destination for Japanese visitors.
Gurrieri considered that increasing the number of Japanese tourists visiting the province would be important because of the potential impact on hotels, restaurants and other services.
Lucero mentioned that, according to figures discussed during the meeting, approximately 33,000 Argentines had travelled to Japan, while around 16,000 Japanese visitors had travelled to Argentina.
He also noted that exchange-rate conditions influence travel opportunities between the two countries.
