Following is the gist of remarks made by Hiroshi Okuda, Chairman, Nippon-Keidanren at a scheduled press conference after monthly Chairman and Vice Chairmen's meeting on 12 May 2003. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(On power shortage problem in Tokyo)
I am pleased to see Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power reactor #6 of Tokyo Electric Power Company restarted its operation on May 7, and hope other nuclear power reactors will be restarted after thorough repair, inspection, and approval to do so. Until then, business should cooperate in power saving to avoid power shutdown. I will ask Keidanren member companies to follow suit.
(On new Keidanren Initiative on promotion of political donations by companies towards enhancement of policy-oriented politics)
Nippon Keidanren has published "Japan 2025 -- envisioning a vibrant, attractive nation in the 21st century" in January 2003, in which it has listed over 30 priority policies to achieve private-sector-led society in Japan.
Against such background, Keidanren decided to establish a Politico-Econo Action Committee (name tentatively translated: original name is SEIKEI KOUDOU IINKAI) to discuss on issues concerning evaluation of policies and achievement of political parties. Keidanren will not restart funneling political donations, however. What it would do is to study and present its evaluation and resulting donation guideline on political parties to its member companies so that both amount and transparency in corporate political contribution will rise.
(In fighting against deflation)
To improve Japan's economy, prevention of deflation spiral is necessary. However, certain deflation is necessary as Japan is also fighting against high cost of business (life). For companies to do well under such climate, companies must restructure and find ways to raise profit under current conditions.
(Effect of SARS on Japan's business)
While some sectors such as airline, shipping, and tourism are taking hits, effect on the entire economy is so far marginal.