Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the seventh meeting of the Council on National Strategic Special Zones at the Prime Minister's Office.
During the meeting, debate took place on “certifying the special zone plan” and “additional regulatory reforms.”
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said in his address,
“At today’s Council meeting, only less than six months since the designation of the National Strategic Special Zones in May, we were able to certify the first set of specific project plans for the National Strategic Special Zones. Specific projects towards achieving the liquidation of farmlands and revitalization of towns are finally about to get underway. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved for their cooperation in achieving this rapid regulatory reform.
At the same time, within the remaining 18 months of the intensive reform period, we must achieve a reform breakthrough in regard to the so-called bedrock of ‘vested interests’ that still exists in Japan. I would like to request the Council to compile our priorities and a schedule for reform into a comprehensive roadmap.
Moreover, as the private sector members proposed today, in regard to the additional regulatory reforms, I would like to request you to study these proposals at an early date under the leadership of Mr. Ishiba, Minister of State for the National Strategic Special Zones. Following that, I would like you to put your ideas forward in an extraordinary Diet session as soon as possible. I would like to request the continued, kind cooperation from each and every one of you. Thank you.”