• 
• 

 
On February 7, 2020, the Prime Minister held the 35th Council on Investments for the Future at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
At the meeting, a discussion was held on the proceedings for the formulation of the action plan of the Growth Strategy.
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Today, we held a discussion on the proceedings for the formulation of the action plan of the Growth Strategy scheduled for this summer, including the issues and agendas, which were outlined in the interim report that we compiled at the end of last year.
 
First, as the diversification of lifestyles is a necessity of the times, amidst the significant changes our economy and society are undergoing, it is necessary to further proceed with work style reform. Entering the age of a 100-year life society, we must create leeway for young people so that they can choose desirable working styles. It is extremely important to make it easier for people to take second jobs or have dual employment; to that end, we will clarify rules related to work hours. Furthermore, we decided to provide all elementary and junior high school students with one IT device per child with the economic policy package we compiled last December. Alongside this, it is indispensable to advance reforms in the soft domain; I ask you to discuss concrete measures, such as tailor-made education and the use of diverse external personnel.
 
Second, entrepreneurship is the key to staying ahead of fast-paced changes and creating unprecedented value. While encouraging business restructuring at major corporations, we will promote collaborations between major corporations and start-ups, and proper contracting practices. For small and medium-sized enterprises, we will support the efforts to improve productivity and continue to improve business relations in order to ensure they can coexist and prosper together with major corporations.
 
Third, we will boldly advance regulatory reforms of the digital age. We will create a highly convenient cashless transaction environment and review the entire financial system.
 
Fourth, in order to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we will aim for ‘beyond zero’ for energy and the environment, and drive disruptive innovations.
 
I ask the relevant ministers, including Minister in Charge of Economic Revitalization Nishimura, to take into account the council members’ views that were expressed today and advance detailed reviews, while holding discussions with the ruling parties, towards the formulation of the action plan of the Growth Strategy scheduled for this summer.”