Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the meeting of the Forum for Consultations between the National and Regional Governments held at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on economic measures, and the budget formulation for FY2013 and local finance measures.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

"This is the first Forum for Consultations between the National and Regional Governments for the Abe Cabinet. The Abe Cabinet is thinking to utilize this Forum for Consultations between the National and Regional Governments for carrying forth policies in cooperation with regions on important policy issues related to regions.
The urgent issue for Japan is the revival of economy. We must restore a strong economy. Unfortunately, with the economic policies taken under the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)-led government, the economy shrank and regions were battered. The Abe Cabinet will make investments for regions to restore vitality and experience growth, which we believe will lead to the growth of the whole of Japan.
Under the determination of making a rocket start for economic revival, I inaugurated the Headquarters for Japan's Economic Revitalization, and also restarted the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy. In addition, we decided the 'urgent economic countermeasures' the other day. The formulation of the supplementary budget is also reaching the final stage. Further, we are also making prompt actions for the formulation of the FY2013 budget and tax system reform. I would like to revive the economy in a speedy manner by also obtaining your cooperation.
We are scheduling to have discussions on two themes, namely the 'economic revival' and the 'formulation of the supplementary budget for FY2013 and local finance measures.' I would like to ask you to give frank opinions from the regional position, and make this meeting an occasion for fruitful discussion."