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 meeting on 10 November 2003. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(On election result and political agenda)
The election result was within expectations. The ruling coalition continues to have a solid grip on the Diet with absolute majority. Now the government must press harder to implement reforms. Nippon Keidanren will also hold policy dialogues with Democratic Party as it has done in the past in variety of levels.
With Democratic Party's advance, I am pleased to see that Japan is now closer to dual-party system like that of the United States.
Unfortunate side of the election is that many people, particularly youngsters, abstained from casting their votes -- election is a rare opportunity where young people can express their views in shaping the future of this country.
(On announcement of party evaluation based on Nippon Keidanren's policy priorities)
It will be announced in January 2004 as announced in the past.
(On projected visit to China)
Nippon Keidanren will send an economic delegation (led by Chairman Okuda) to China later in November. The delegation will discuss with Chinese leaders on a variety of issues of mutual interest including the project of China's comprehensive transportation system.
(On "Environment tax" issue)
Let me reiterate that the Ministry's way of introducing the tax before doing what they should (cutting emission from household consumption, office use, and transport use, as well as adjusting the entire tax scheme) is not acceptable to us.
(On compulsory extension of retirement age to 65)
I suspect that the Minister Sakaguchi did not mean to implement a law instantly. While I don't agree with implementing a law, many factors (such as re-employing retired employees and non-Japanese laborers) must be fully considered by individual companies as there will be fewer young workers available in just several years to come. It is therefore unjust to discuss the retirement age only from the viewpoint of changing (raising) the pensionable age.