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The Prime Minister in Action
Council on National Strategic Special Zones
March 26, 2018
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister making a statement (3)
[Provisional Translation]
On March 26, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 34th meeting of the Council on National Strategic Special Zones at the Prime Minister's Office.
During the meeting, discussions took place on the evaluation of the designated zones and other related matters, and the inclusion of the regulatory reform clauses.
Based on the discussions, the Prime Minister said,
“We must utilize collective wisdom to find solutions to address the waiting list for childcare that we have discussed today. This is a top priority for the Abe Cabinet.
It is another crucial issue for strengthening our soft power to actively accept into Japan hairdressers and professionals related to Cool Japan fields who are appreciated overseas.
We will thoroughly consider our response to the ambitious proposal we have received from Osaka Prefecture.
Beyond that, today, the Council approved the proposed revisions of the Basic Policy of the National Strategic Special Zones. We will work quickly to approve a Cabinet decision on this, and will steadily put into action the measures for bolstering the operation of the Special Zones system and improving its transparency, including agreed minutes on ministry and agency discussions.
The future of our economy depends on how far we advance reform of bedrock regulations. It is important that we not search for the reasons why regulations cannot be eased, but instead think about how to realize it.
I hope the private-sector members of this Council will share their wisdom and we can tease out innovative ideas from each ministry and agency as we continue to take bold steps for reforming bedrock regulations.”
