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On October 23, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 36th meeting of the Council on National Strategic Special Zones at the Prime Minister's Office.
 
At the meeting, a discussion was held on the certification of special zone plans, the restart for the national strategic special zones initiative, and the promotion of the Super City Initiative.
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“We will advance reforms by breaking down regulations and institutions that are rigid like bedrock. Regulatory reform will continue to be the main engine for the growth strategy of the Abe Cabinet, and national strategic special zones offer a breakthrough in this endeavor.
 
In particular, as the fourth industrial revolution is rapidly expanding around the world, we need to promote innovation by boldly reviewing the regulations and institutions that do not fit into this era.
 
The Cabinet will exert its efforts, working in unity, to eliminate the governance gaps.
 
In this regard, I would like to ask Minister Katayama and private sector members of this Council to take firm steps towards further bolstering the national strategic special zone system, including swiftly compiling the basic concept of the Super City Initiative and implementing other proposals made by private sector members today.”