[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the second meeting of the International Finance and Economic Assessment Council at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the Council, an exchange of views with Professor Dale Jorgenson  of Harvard University and President Kazumasa Iwata  of the Japan Center for Economic Research took place.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“Today, continuing on from yesterday, I would like the Council to engage in a frank exchange of views about the world economy and international finance.

Today, we are joined by two prominent experts. First, I would like to introduce Professor Dale Jorgenson of Harvard University, who is an expert in economic assessment and former President of the American Economic Association . Second, I would like to welcome President Kazumasa Iwata, who is one of Japan’s leading economists and former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Japan. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Professor Jorgenson and President Iwata for taking the time from their busy schedules to join us here today.

In today’s meeting, as well as sharing your analysis of the world economy, I ask you to please frankly express your opinions in regard to the “three arrows” of Abenomics implemented since the inauguration of my administration, and the “new three arrows” for dealing with issues of the decline in the birthrate and the aging of the population.

In May this year, as the chair of the G7 Summit to be held at Ise-Shima, I hope to transmit a clear message towards the sustainable, powerful growth of the global economy. In advance of the Summit, I would like today’s meeting to be open and meaningful. Thank you very much.”