TOP > What's up around the Prime Minister > June, 2008

Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (Submission of Economic and Fiscal Reform 2008) Friday, June 27, 2008 JAPANESE

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda held a meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy at the Prime Minister's Office. At the meeting, the Council submitted to Prime Minister Fukuda the "Economic and Fiscal Reform 2008 -- A Country Welcoming the World, Growth by and for All, Harmony with the Environment" or what is called "Basic Policies 2008," which is comprised of the following six chapters: (i) Issues facing the Japanese economy and reform perspectives; (ii) Boosting growth potential; (iii) Achieving a low-carbon society; (iv) Administrative and financial reforms that put the people first; (v) Establishing a social security system that the people feel reassured by and realizing lives of high quality for the people; and (vi) Basic stance on the FY2009 budget. Under the Basic Policies 2008, the Government aims to advance administrative and financial reforms that put the people first, achieve a low-carbon society, establish a social security system that the people feel reassured by, and realize lives of high quality for the people, among other goals. At the end of the meeting, Prime Minister Fukuda said, "Nine months has passed since I assumed the office of Prime Minister. My comprehensive view and the direction that I believe the nation should move in is compiled in the Economic and Fiscal Reform 2008. It covers urgent, important issues for the Cabinet, including an economic growth strategy, the establishment of an Agency for Consumer Affairs, a reallocation of revenue sources for roads to the revenues used for general purposes, and the achievement of a low-carbon society. Although the buds of reform are still small, various changes are already underway in many areas. I intend for the Cabinet to decide on the Basic Policies 2008 without delay, and accelerate the efforts set forth under the Basic Policies 2008, ensuring that the Government as a whole will advance these endeavors. I will advance reforms so that the Government's efforts will lead to a society in which each and every one of the people can feel reassured, which is not stagnant, and in which the people truly sense that the Government's perspective has been changed to share the public's viewpoint." Afterwards, the Basic Polices 2008 were decided at the extraordinary Cabinet meeting. Related link: Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (Cabinet Office)