[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the first meeting of the Public-Private Dialogue towards Investment for the Future at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the dialogue, discussion took place on the holding of public-private dialogue, investment trends and issues in the business world, and issues from the perspective of investors.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“The Abe administration was inaugurated two years and ten months ago. We set ourselves the major goal of breaking out of the deflation that has continued here for 15 years. Now, two years and ten months later, I believe we are no longer faced with deflation. In the beginning, people said that this was a very difficult goal. With courage, we have steadily and aggressively advanced thorough and correct policies, and in doing so, I think we have proven that we are in fact making progress.

In order to realize Japan’s greatest postwar economy with a GDP of 600 trillion yen, we will fundamentally increase productivity and overcome supply constraints. Corporate profits are the highest they have ever been, but we have not yet seen sufficient growth in investment. Now is precisely the time for companies to make active and bold investment in capital, technology, and talent.

I believe that today the business world has demonstrated its intention to actively expand investment. We heard remarks from overseas institutional investors that when making investment decisions, emphasis is placed on whether or not investments are being made for the future. I would like the business world to announce concrete plans for expanding investment one stage further.

Today I heard from people in the business world and investors about many issues that need to be overcome to expand investment. In future meetings as well, I hope that you will continue to raise specific problems. We have worked hard over the past two years and ten months to date and, in the same way, we intend to thoroughly and boldly tackle the issues that you have all raised.

In order to support the initiatives for fostering private sector investment, we must not institute any sacred or off-limits areas, but rather make decisions at this venue. I would like the relevant ministers to immediately begin necessary considerations from the perspective of expanding investment.”