Tuesday, March 3, 2009

JAPANESE

Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy

Photograph of the meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (1)

Photograph of the meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (1)

Prime Minister Taro Aso held a meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, the first of three sessions of intensive discussion about an economic growth strategy, the Council members discussed three areas. The first was "healthy longevity," which is expected to generate high added-value services in addition to employment opportunities given the prospect of major growth in line with the aging demographic structure. The second was "human resources," which support areas of strategic importance for realizing the fundamental power of the Japanese economy. The third was "media contents," which include Japan's comics, animation, and audiovisual products that are highly rated abroad.

In his opening address, Prime Minister Aso said, "Growth strategy must first of all inspire the people to have dreams for the future. It also has to be realized with unwavering resolve, notwithstanding conflicting interests." Then, the Prime Minister gave an instruction on healthy longevity, saying, "The shortage of doctors and advanced medical treatment in the regions is an issue that cannot be resolved without the government's all-out efforts. I urge all related ministers, including the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, to work together in support of the regions." On human resources, Prime Minister Aso said, "Human capabilities must be strengthened as an all-nation project. I ask the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to enhance measures such as strengthening the safety net hinged on vocational training for the unemployed." On media content, the Prime Minister said, "I would like to see substantial policies to give media content edge as Made-in-Japan export products on par with cars and steel."

The Council will continue its discussions on the economic growth strategy at the forthcoming second and third sessions, with the aim of identifying a certain direction by the end of March.

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Photograph of the meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (2)

Photograph of the meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (2)

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  • Photograph of the meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (1)
  • Photograph of the meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (2)