Following is the gist of remarks made by Mr. Takashi Imai, Chairman, Keidanren, on the non-scheduled press conference 7 August 2000. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
Regarding zero percent interest rate policy by the Bank of Japan, I still believe that the overall situation has not changed. It is, of course, up to the Bank of Japan to change the zero-rate policy, but even if it will, I sincerely hope that loose monetary control will be maintained.
Regarding unification of Nikkeiren and Keidanren, I am the one who initiated the argument, and I appreciate Mr. Okuda and other Nikkeiren executive in coming up to the conclusion favoring unification. I will start my own study soon and will initiate Keidanren-wide discussion starting in September.