Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy

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 Council had discussion on a target of fiscal consolidation and toward making "Basic Policies 2009" and "Mid-term Program" (partly revised).

On the target of fiscal consolidation, Prime Minister Aso said, "As a new target of fiscal consolidation, it is essential that we continue to advance expenditure reforms, strengthen the capacity for growth, and steadily realize fundamental reform of the tax system after economic recovery. Though difficult it may be, I would like to set the target in this direction."

During the deliberation on the partial revision to Basic Policies 2009 and Mid-term Program, Prime Minister Aso said, "Basic Policies 2009 will be a blueprint for building a reassuring and also a vibrant nation. There had been a growing tendency for requests of ministries and political parties to be put together in Basic Policies. This time I want to make them simple with a clear concept. I want to allocate people and budgets to limited top priority issues in a concentrated manner across the government. We will accelerate necessary works to compile a final draft based on the first draft presented today."

Related Link

• Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (Cabinet Office)