Sixth Meeting of the Japan Investment Council Thursday, March 27, 2003 The sixth meeting of the Japan Investment Council was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the report of the Special Subcommittee describing specific measures for the expansion of foreign investment in Japan was approved, and the "Advancement of Measures to Promote Foreign Direct Investment in Japan" was decided upon in order to implement those proposals steadily. This decision will provide for the steady implementation of 74 items in five areas, such as a review of administrative procedures and the establishment of comprehensive liaison offices in each of the central ministries for the purpose of making Japan an attractive destination for foreign firms. At the end of the meeting, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi stated, "Foreign direct investment to Japan is only about one-twentieth of that of other countries. A reform of our mindset is necessary in order to make Japan an attractive country for direct investment. I would like to request you to implement effective measures that will actually increase investment."