Following is the gist of remarks made by Hiroshi Okuda, Chairman, Nippon-Keidanren at a scheduled press conference following monthly Chairman and Vice Chairmen's Conference on 3 September 2003. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(On economic outlook)
I am rather optimistic over the outlook of Japan's economy if following conditions hold: (1) the U. S. economy keeps improving in the second half of 2003; (2) problems in Iraq and other parts of the world will not deteriorate; and (3) political realignment would not take place in Japan.
(On LDP Presidency election)
Whether Mr. Koizumi will be re-elected or not is the most important point. Negating Koizumi reform might have adverse effects on Japan's economic outlook.
(On Koizumi reforms)
The structural reforms have made progress much more than are generally understood. As a member of Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, I do support Koizumi reforms.
(On Nippon Keidanren policy priorities)
At the monthly Chairman and Vice Chairmen's meeting today, we spent time to go over "policy priorities" which serves as a reference when member companies of Nippon Keidanren would decide their political donations in future. We reached to agreement in principle but details must be worked out. The final version will be announced by the end of this month.