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     [Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the third meeting of the International Finance and Economic Assessment Council at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the Council, an exchange of views with Professor Paul Krugman of the City University of New York took place.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“I would like to say a few words on the occasion of the holding of the third meeting of the International Finance and Economic Assessment Council.

Today we are joined by Professor Paul Krugman, Professor of the City University of New York, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, and former member of the U.S. President’s Council of Economic Advisers. Professor Krugman, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend today’s meeting.

In the past, I have received several suggestions from Professor Krugman in regard to Abenomics.

In today’s meeting, I ask that you not only share your analysis of the world economy, but also frankly express your opinions in regard to the first “three arrows” of Abenomics implemented since the inauguration of my administration, and the “new three arrows” for dealing with issues related to the declining birthrate and aging population.

In May this year, as the chair of the G7 Summit being held at Ise-Shima, I intend to express a clear message toward the sustainable and robust growth of the global economy.

In preparation for the Summit, I would like to make today’s meeting an open and meaningful one. Thank you very much.”