Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the first meeting of the Government Tax Commission at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

"I would like to offer some remarks upon the opening of the first meeting of the Government Tax Commission.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone attending today for graciously accepting your appointments to serve on the Government Tax Commission.
With regard to the taxation system, it is demanded of us to explore how the system should operate in response to socioeconomic structural changes taking place, including globalization and the advancement of the declining birthrate and aging population, while keeping in mind the role that each tax item should fulfill.
To do this, we must examine the system from a mid- to long-term perspective based on the three principles of 'fairness, neutrality, and simplicity,' with the goal to realize a strong Japan, a strong economy, and fulfilling, safe, and secure lifestyles, while achieving both sustainable growth led by private sector demand and fiscal soundness.
Based on this fundamental concept, I would like to consult with the Commission to request deliberation on how the taxation system should operate.
Specifically, for the time being, I ask that the Commission deliberate the theme of realizing fair and equitable tax imposition mainly from the perspective of enforcement challenges.
Measures to address international tax avoidance by multinationals were one of the major themes taken up at the G8 Summit I attended last week.
I would like to ask Commission members to examine and hold discussions on these themes as well.
At present, the Government is in the midst of promoting the integrated implementation of the 'three prongs' or arrows of bold monetary policy, flexible fiscal policy, and growth strategy that encourages private sector investment and making every effort to overcome the prolonged deflation and revitalize the Japanese economy. Without growth, there can be no fiscal rehabilitation.
Recently, the third arrow, the growth strategy, was approved by a Cabinet decision. While the specific taxation system measures of the growth strategy will be discussed at the Research Commission on the Tax System of the ruling parties, I would also like the Government Tax Commission to discuss the measures from a wide range of angles based on a mid- to long-term perspective.
In closing, I would like to note that since its establishment in 1946, the Government Tax Commission, based on its expert viewpoints, has led the discussions on the taxation system in view of future challenges while bearing in mind the needs of the times.
I would like to conclude my brief remarks by sincerely asking Chair Nakazato and the Commission members to carry out extensive deliberations. Thank you for your cooperation."