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On March 26, 2020, the Prime Minister attended the sixth Intensive Hearing on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Real Economy at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
 
“Thank you for coming to the Prime Minister’s Office today despite your very busy schedules.
 
We are exerting every effort to prevent the spread of infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and prevent symptoms from getting severe and control outbreaks, putting the protection of lives and health of the public first. The government is requesting the cancelation or other measures regarding various events, among others. The economy has been affected significantly and, as the world economy is also facing such a situation, we are concerned about the extremely significant impacts arising from this situation.
 
Against this backdrop, I am aware that you, those who are managing businesses, are experiencing great difficulties.
 
In light of this situation, we have invited the representatives of businesses such as fitness clubs, major corporations in manufacturing closely related to supply chains, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), companies that have increased their mask production lines, and providers of telework and distance education services. I would like to have your candid comments. The government is resolved to ensure the protection of employment despite this severe economic situation on the ground. While we intend to advance countermeasures thoroughly, we would like to return the economy to the stable growth path that we were taking and achieve a V- shaped recovery, after we contain the outbreaks.
 
To that end, I believe we must implement a strong economic and fiscal policy. We have started our consideration over its elements. We would like to know your needs today and implement effective policy measures as all of you are experiencing difficulties at the forefront or have various ideas on what the government would be better off doing. Today, we would like to have your candid comments and requests, and ask for your cooperation. Building on your comments, we intend to thoroughly implement effective policy measures that will counter the impacts. I thank you in advance for your cooperation.”