[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the third meeting in 2016 of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, there was discussion on “the current economic situation” and “expanding ‘the positive cycle of growth and distribution’ by strengthening the distribution side.”

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said in his statement,

“As we work toward the realization of the largest GDP in postwar history of 600 trillion yen, we need to increase household disposable income and connect that to an expansion of consumption by steadily advancing the trend toward wage increases during this third round. Moreover, as part of the positive cycle of growth and distribution, we will increase both the quality and quantity of working styles by fundamentally strengthening childcare support and making a variety of working styles possible.

In doing so, we need to continue to respond in a detailed manner on each and every policy so that thorough results will be produced. Specifically, we will incorporate response measures intended to encourage the employment of short-term workers in order to address the so-called 1.3 million yen wall. I want to keep everyone informed, carefully watch the state of personnel shortages and other matters, and enhance and strengthen these measures as necessary so that we can make sure they are well used.

In addition, it has been pointed out that we have not made progress on the acceptance of foreign personnel. Looking ahead to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, and from the perspective of strengthening our domestic labor market as well, I want you to shine a light on problem areas and thoroughly advance the use of foreign personnel.

I would like the relevant ministers to develop a detailed understanding of the current situation and work boldly toward the resolution of issues so that we can thoroughly enhance the impact of our policies.”