Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Press Conference by Prime Minister Taro Aso

Prime Minister Taro Aso held a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the press conference, the Prime Minister said, "The 'three-stage rocket' of economic countermeasures is now complete" following the enactment of the budget for fiscal 2009 on March 27. He also explained the results of the first and second supplementary budgets of fiscal 2008, including financial assistance to small and medium enterprises and employment adjustment subsidies.

Prime Minister Aso further stated, "However, Japan is currently in a situation that can be called an economic crisis. For that reason, we will be formulating new measures to boost the economy." The Prime Minister thereafter announced that the government and the ruling coalition would lose no time in compiling these measures, with the aim to prevent business activity from slumping further, secure employment and ease the pain of the people, and ensure that these efforts lead to a reinforcement of Japan's future growth potential.

Prime Minister Aso also indicated his intention to establish a strategy for economic growth through efforts in areas such as the environment and energy, efforts to bring about a society of good health and longevity, and through "soft power" including anime (animation). The Prime Minister said that Japan would support the expansion of regional demand through the development of region-wide infrastructure in Asia.

The Prime Minister stated that at an "emergency summit" on the world economy and financial markets in London, the United Kingdom, on April 2, consistent with the basic principles such as to facilitate the smooth supply of funds necessary for the global economy, he intended to exert leadership so as to deepen the discussions and to bring about further concrete results.

To conclude, Prime Minister Aso expressed his determination, saying, "Although the budget of fiscal 2009 has been enacted today, a number of important bills remain. These include the Anti-Piracy Measures Bill addressing piracy in Somalia and other areas, the bill on the Agency for Consumer Affairs, and the bill that would bring stability to fiscal resources for pensions. Each of these is essential for people's daily lives or in duly contributing to the international community. I will devote my utmost efforts for the early enactment of these bills."

Related Link

• Press Conference by Taro Aso, Prime Minister (31 March 2009)