TOKYO, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Japanese economy minister

Ryosei Akazawa said on Wednesday he believes a potential foreign

acquisition of retail giant Seven & i ( SVNDF ) is a matter

heavily related to the country's economic security.

"If Seven & i's ( SVNDF ) convenience store business is in foreign

hands and run solely for profits, we'll have to think whether we

can we get full support in the event of a disaster for people

affected by the disaster," Akazawa said at a press conference.