[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the first meeting in FY2015 of the Forum for Consultations between the National and Regional Governments at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on formulating the Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform, regional vitalization, and advancing decentralization reform.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“This is the first Forum for Consultations between National and Regional Governments in FY2015. We will listen closely to your opinions concerning the important policy issues that affect the regional governments. I look forward to the cooperation of the national and regional governments during the current year as well.

The Abe Cabinet’s economic policies under the “three arrows” of Abenomics are yielding definite results, and steadily succeeding in creating favorable conditions after a period of 25 years, including improvement in the corporate sector. We must not miss the present timing as we advance towards economic revitalization and an exit from deflation, and should continue to proceed with comprehensive economic and fiscal reform in a speedy manner.

This year marks the first year of regional vitalization. In order to accelerate initiatives, we intend to formulate the ‘Basic Policy for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy 2015’ as soon as within this month. Furthermore, we will establish new forms of subsidies in the FY2016 budget in order to eliminate the harmful effects of vertical segmentation between the ministries and to provide support for pioneering, outstanding initiatives of highly motivated local regions.
We have implemented numerous specific proposals from local regions that resolve their issues, such as the transfer to local public bodies of the authority to approve the diversion of agricultural land, which the regions have strongly hoped to achieve for many years. I believe that regional enthusiasm has turned a new page in decentralization reform. We are determined to continue to powerfully advance reforms. 
Today, I look forward to hearing the frank opinions on these themes from the respective perspectives of the regional governments. In order to achieve success in regional vitalization, I would like us to have a highly fruitful discussion. Thank you.”