TOKYO, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Nippon Steel ( NISTF )

President Tadashi Imai said on Tuesday talks are set to start

with the U.S. Department of Commerce as it aims to revive its

bid to purchase U.S. Steel.

The Japanese company's previous merger agreement with U.S.

Steel, blocked by the administration of former President Joe

Biden, will serve as a starting point for discussions, Imai

said.

Nippon Steel's ( NISTF ) financial and capital investments are

interconnected with its proposed acquisition of the American

company, Imai said.