[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 24th meeting of the Industrial Competitiveness Council at the Prime Minister's Office

During the meeting, discussion took place on future approaches of the Industrial Competitiveness Council.

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

“As a result of the three arrows of Abenomics, virtuous economic cycles for the economy have been steadily generated as the economy continues to exit deflation. Our new cabinet is “a cabinet that takes on challenges for the future.” With the aim of creating a society in which all one hundred million-plus citizens are each dynamically engaged, we will realize a strong economy that gives people hope. A society in which all one hundred million-plus citizens are each dynamically engaged will provide everyone with opportunities, whether it be youth, the elderly, men or women, people facing challenges, or people with an illness or disability. Creating such a society in which people can take one step forward, will strengthen economic growth and supply capacities, and enable individuals to put their vitality and talents to use. I am convinced that such a society will lead to a rich life for every person. Going forward, I intend to put my utmost efforts into realizing this type of society.

At the previous regular session of the Diet, 22 bills related to the growth strategy were passed. As such, fundamental reforms are now being realized, centering on reforms of vested interests in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and energy.

Our growth strategy is about to enter a new stage. The key to this will be a productivity revolution. We will stimulate proactive investment in human resources and IT. At the same time, we will generate the human resources who will carve out our future, through reforms to the way that people work and reforms to universities.

We will spread the productivity revolution across the entire country. The reforms will be made to regional industries including agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and health management. In addition, we will support the initiatives of regions to attract investment from both within Japan and overseas.

With the Industrial Competitiveness Council continuing to play a central role, I intend to execute and realize our country’s growth strategy, as well as further evolve this strategy and deliver results. I ask for your ongoing cooperation in this regard. Thank you very much. ”