[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 22nd meeting of the Council on National Strategic Special Zones at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, debate took place on certifying the special zone plan and the matters pertaining to National Strategic Special Zones cited in the 2016 Japan Revitalization Strategy.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Over the next two years, we will push forward with reforms of remaining vested interests in stage two of National Strategic Special Zones known as the “concentrated reform enhancement period.” We will fully operate these special zones in realizing the individual proposals for regulatory reform received from local governments and business and industry.

This year’s growth strategy, too, will include bold regulatory reform matters that are to be realized at an early stage.

Local governments proactively working on regulatory reform, including work style reform, will be able to facilitate other regulatory reform by utilizing the special zone system.

We will clarify standards for allowing specialist non-Japanese nationals to work on projects that contribute to regional revitalization.

As for unique local tourism industries, we will make it easier for local farmers and Japanese inns to plan travel programs and products by modifying the national certification requirements for personnel engaged in these areas.

We will take advantage of all opportunities as they present themselves to expand the scope of special zones and push forward with the reform process for heightening the growth potential of Japan’s economy.”