Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a gathering to express gratitude for the enhancement of policies for the promotion of small-sized enterprises held in Tokyo.
The Prime Minister said in his address,
“Today we have finally passed the Basic Act on the Promotion of Small-Sized Enterprises. Japan’s economy is currently being transformed under the three arrows of Abenomics and we have now reached the point where we are no longer facing deflation. The business confidence index for small- and medium-sized enterprises has also turned positive in the non-manufacturing sector for the first time in 21 years and 10 months.
Nevertheless, in reality, I believe that regional economies and small- and medium-sized enterprises continue to face difficult conditions. Our mission is to ensure that small- and medium-sized enterprises throughout the country experience the winds of economic recovery firsthand. Small-sized enterprises make up 90% of Japan’s 3.85 million small- and medium-sized enterprises. I believe that without the vitalization of small-sized enterprises, there will be no revitalization of Japan.
Since assuming the office of Prime Minister, I visited a plating plant in Sumida City, a spring plant in Osaka and shopping areas in various locations. I have found myself energized by the vitality of those small-sized enterprises working so very hard despite the challenging business conditions. This Basic Act is intended to create an environment where small-sized enterprises from local communities can enjoy greater success. I would like to ask that chambers of industry and commerce as well as relevant small- and medium-sized enterprise organizations devote even greater efforts to assisting small-sized enterprises.
In closing, I would like to once again express my appreciation for the cooperation of chambers of industry and commerce as well as relevant small- and medium-sized enterprise organizations, and hope for the success of those in attendance today. I pledge that I will continue to exert my utmost effort to helping revitalize our small-sized enterprises.”