Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the second meeting in FY2014 of the Forum for Consultations between the National and Regional Governments at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on the promotion of regional vitalization, the budget request for FY2015, and the promotion of decentralization reform (important issues such as the transition of authority from the national government to local governments, the method for soliciting proposals, and others).

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister made the following remarks,

“This is the second meeting in FY2014 of the Forum for Consultations between the National and Regional Governments. Utilizing this Forum, I believe it is important to heed the opinions of the regions in regard to key policy issues of concern to the regions when promoting such policies.

The regional vitalization that we have been discussing today is a top-priority issue for the Abe Cabinet. I intend to take an approach with a dimension that has not been employed before, from the viewpoint of creating work in the regions that young people can feel at ease to do by capitalizing on the unique resources and merits that each region possesses. The approach will be to realize citizens’ dreams to live, work, and raise children in local communities, and to have a prosperous daily life. Further, we will not adopt an approach of fitting regions into frameworks set out by the Government, but rather will respect each region’s unique characteristics and provide support.

Moreover, in order to create prosperous, bright and vital local communities, it is essential to promote decentralization reform that enhances regional autonomy.

We have received wide-ranging proposals from residents of local regions, including farmlands. Taking into consideration the discussions of the Advisory Council, I am determined to thoroughly study these proposals, and, going forward, to strive for their realization to the maximum extent possible.

Today, in addition to these policy issues, I have received your frank opinions in regard to the FY2015 budget request. I intend to consider them closely and proceed with the relevant measures. Thank you.”