[Provisional Translation]

1. On May 16, commencing from 11:40 a.m. for around 15 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister, received a courtesy call from Mr. Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
   
   
2. Prime Minister Abe welcomed Director-General Ryder’s visit to Japan, praised his reform efforts, including in relation to the employment of young people and enhancement of productivity at small- and medium-sized enterprises, and expressed the desire to continue cooperation with the ILO. Prime Minister Abe also explained that discussion is underway in relation to the utilization of women and labor movement toward growth industries within the growth strategy of Japan, and expressed his hope that the current economic growth would lead to a rise in wages.
   
   
3. In response, Director-General Ryder said that the growth strategy of Japan would coincide with the priority areas of the ILO in many ways, and explained the initiatives of the ILO for youth employment and women in the workplace. He further stated his hope that the ILO could be a valuable partner as Japan works on these issues. He also expressed deep gratitude for the support given by Japan to the ILO.

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