Following is the gist of remarks made by Mr. Takashi Imai, Chairman of Keidanren, at a scheduled press conference following monthly Chairman and Vice Chairmen's meeting on 12 November 2001. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(Asked on how he views of COP 7 agreements)
Agreements were reached but ratification process hasn't even started. The issue of global environment must be addressed by creation of a single global rule to which all countries around the world will take part. To drastically reduce CO2 emission, all Japanese citizens must be well informed that coping with COP7 agreements would totally alter Japanese way of life. Meanwhile, businesses will keep Keidanren's self-action plan and will work on improving transparency and credibility without government's asking. What government should do is to help businesses to create a technological breakthrough that will sharply reduce CO2 emissions.
(Asked on his stance over the second supplementary and next year budget)
Without having the first supplementary budget implemented and effects being accessed, I am against discussing about the next supplementary budget. About the fiscal year (FY) 2002 budget, I am not yet prepared to comment on it.
(Asked on his views on China's and Taiwan's WTO accession)
It is good to have both China and Taiwan acceded to WTO as they have a promising years of growth in the future. WTO would impose a single set rule on trade and investment to cosignatories, such as intellectual property rights. Having China in WTO will put us in a difficult and challenging position, and benefit would sure surpass the problems.
(Asked on how he views extending implementation of the pay-off again)
I am not supporting extending implementation of the pay-off again. I would rather say the current situation is wrong. Investors and savers must take their own initiatives and responsibilities. And, I foresee no problems by implementing the pay-off scheme.