[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 25th 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, additional items for regulatory reform related to priority fields and issues, and other matters.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said, 

“The project to revitalize farmlands with the support of companies will be actualized in the National Strategic Special Zone of Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture. I met with Mayor Hirose in February of this year. In a short period of time, the details have been fleshed out for projects in which three companies including a major stationary maker will acquire and revitalize abandoned arable lands. A joint secretariat will be established to support the endeavor of Yabu City as it strives to see to what extent regulatory reforms can revive the mountainous and foothill regions that are suffering from an aging population and depopulation.   

Mayor Takashima of Fukuoka City explained about the PFI project concept for the port in Fukuoka. Through a ‘concession approach,’ public infrastructure will become usable by drawing on the ingenuity of the private sector. In doing so, the city will fundamentally enhance its ability to welcome the rapidly increasing number of foreign visitors.

Today, we decided on the changes to the system for the establishment of schools of veterinary medicine and travel programs led by the region. With this same sense of urgency, we will start with the feasible reforms of remaining vested interests and implement them. I would like to ask Mr. Yamamoto, Minister of State for the Promotion of Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan and Minister of State for Regulatory Reform, as well as private-sector experts to continue to join me in serving the role of a ‘drill,’ and I look forward to working with you.”