Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The issue related to the Tax Reform Outline

REPORTER: Last night, the ruling parties' Tax Commission compiled the Tax Reform Outline. I believe that the outline states that the reduced tax rate scheme will be introduced when the consumption tax rate is raised to 10%. How should we interpret this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have not yet officially been informed of the details of this scheme. The Government will continue to closely follow the ruling parties' discussions based on the outline. In any case, the scheme is expected to be introduced after securing the necessary finances and after gaining the understanding of the public, including the business operators concerned. In addition, the commission will continue discussion on the details of the scheme and I believe that the final decision will be dependent on the results of that discussion. We are closely following the discussions.

(Abridged)