Following is the gist of remarks made by Mr. Hiroshi Okuda, Chairman of Nippon Keidanren at a press conference following fiscal 2003 general assembly meeting on 27 May 2003. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(Asked to review the first year of Chairmanship)
Combination of former Keidanren and Nikkeiren has proven to be harmonious and excellent when compared with other business organizations in Japan. Its presence has also been increased to impact policy implementations, too.
(Asked on whether Japan's economy would recover if resolution will be implemented)
While Japan will not probably experience high growth years as before, she must find a new way of sustainable economic growth. After Japan goes through its reform agenda, Japan will experience a different way of growth -- it will not be a repeat of the 20th Century way.
(Asked on Policy Evaluation Committee and the guideline it is expected to produce)
There are no models for the guideline -- it is totally up to Policy Evaluation Committee to discuss and decide. Major differences between the expected guideline and funneling of funds before 1993 are: the guideline will be fully transparent, evaluation will be conducted on all national political parties, and companies will be asked to make independent decisions as to whether or not to contribute and how much. In any case, it is hoped that the guideline will be completed by January 2004.
It is regretful that bureaucracy does not reflect its policy impact in formulating new policies. The cycle should be "PDCA (plan, do, check, and action)", but bureaucracy lacks action. This is the biggest problem preventing Japan's reforms. We hope that corporate political funding will give a push to change this.