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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the second meeting of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Task Force at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, discussion took place on the “comprehensive TPP-related policy framework (draft).”

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“The TPP will create the world’s largest free and fair economic zone. We will coordinate with each country involved, aiming for the TPP’s early signing and coming into effect.

Today we have decided the ‘comprehensive TPP-related policy framework.’

This framework includes measures to provide support for the overseas development of regional midsized enterprises and SMEs, and to transform the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries into industries on the offensive.

These are measures that are needed to truly forge a direct link between the TPP and the economic revitalization and regional vitalization of Japan. In addition, these measures will dispel the concerns of the Japanese people, and also indicate quantitative goals.

In the review process, we carefully listened to the hopes and concerns, and the various opinions, of many people. After serious consideration with the ruling parties, these measures were decided by the Government and ruling parties working as one. I would like to express my gratitude to all the relevant parties who exerted such active efforts to achieve this in such a short time. I intend to carry out effective implementation of these measures. With this goal in mind, I would like the relevant Cabinet members to exert their utmost efforts.

This does not signal the end of the TPP policies.

We will finalize the concrete content of the policies by next autumn, while holding consultations with the ruling parties, in regard to the necessary policies for the overseas development, business expansion, and improved productivity of Japan’s domestic industries, and to further advance the transformation of agriculture, forestry and fishery industries into growth industries.

In regard to the content and related policies of the TPP agreement, we will provide fuller, more understandable explanations. I would like to gain the people’s understanding and support, and make full use of the benefits of the TPP, leading to the ‘realization of a strong economy.’ Thank you.”