Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 10th 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 other topics.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said in his address,

“In this election, citizens asked that the Growth Strategy be moved forward. I want to move vested interest reform ahead more powerfully in response to this expectation from citizens.
With renewed resolve, I intend to submit a bill to the next Diet session that will feature an additional slate of bolder regulatory reforms, as well as of course the items incorporated in the National Strategic Special Zone bill that regrettably were not adopted in the previous Diet.
Furthermore, in order to accelerate the pace of reform, I intend to realize all items not requiring changes of the law by the end of this fiscal year, at the latest.
The National Strategic Special Zones must be developed further so that “inspired and motivated local governments” are able to achieve regional vitalization through regulatory reform. Consequently, by next spring I will newly designate “Regional Vitalization Special Zones” that will receive comprehensive Government support, including simplified procedures and the dispatch of specialists.
Under the leadership of Minister Ishiba I would like you to work on creating the bill for the next Diet, and also begin considering Regional Vitalization Special Zones. Thank you very much.”