[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 16th meeting of the Headquarters on Creating Dynamism through Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Industries and Local Communities at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on actions in agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors based on the agreement in principle on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Agriculture is the very foundation of our nation . It is the responsibility of politics to protect our beautiful rural landscapes.

We must be sympathetic to the concerns  of people in the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries, and use the TPP as an opportunity to transform these into industries on the offensive. We will ensure that ambitious producers in the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries can continue their work with peace of mind within the new international environment.
We must also turn them into industries in which young people aspire to work and can pioneer new horizons with their own passions .

We will continue to protect the beautiful rural landscapes, hometowns with their own traditions, and rural village culture of mutual assistance that make up Japan’s proud ‘national character.’ There has been absolutely no change to the Abe Cabinet’s resolve.

The Government as a whole will fulfil its responsibility and compile all possible measures  to achieve this. With the Chief Cabinet Secretary and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries taking the lead, and with the cooperation of the ruling parties, I ask that you swiftly advance discussion on concrete measures in accordance with the basic policies approved earlier. Thank you.”