Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� October, 2002

Third Meeting of the Headquarters for the Promotion of Special Zones for Structural Reform Friday, October 11, 2002 The third meeting of the Headquarters for the Promotion of Special Zones for Structural Reform was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, a decision was made on a program aimed at promoting special zones for structural reform. By the end of August, no fewer than 426 ideas had been proposed by local governments and private entities regarding special zones for structural reform. This program, in order to realize special zones for structural reform as soon as possible, stipulates the framework of the system for special zones for structural reform, regulations to which special measures can be allowed, future schedule and other necessary matters. In his address at the end of the meeting, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi stated, "This is the first step toward realizing special zones for structural reform. Structural reform will be implemented without sanctuaries. I call upon you to continue to consider what needs to be done to realize this."