[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, there was discussion on economic policy and the FY2017 Guidelines for Budget Requests.”

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Today’s discussions about new economic policy yielded active talks between the government and ruling parties with regard to a proposal for powerful economic measures that will boldly make investments for the future.

These economic measures will not only increase the stimulation of demand, but also ensure progress is made toward continuous economic growth, driven by private sector demand and the steady realization of a society in which all citizens are dynamically engaged.

Next, as for next fiscal year’s budget, the FY2017 budget will steadily maintain the goal of achieving fiscal soundness by FY2020, under the basic policy of ‘there can be no fiscal soundness without economic revitalization.’

To address the priority issues of the Abe Cabinet, including measures to achieve a society in which all citizens are dynamically engaged, the Framework for Promoting Priority Issues for a New Japan will be established and prioritized within the budget.

The guidelines for budget requests will be drafted based on these policies.

I ask for the extensive cooperation from the leadership of the ruling parties and relevant cabinet members with regards to formulating a definitive plan for these economic measures. I also ask for your extensive cooperation and understanding with regards to formulating the budget for FY2017.”