[ Nippon Keidanren | Press Conference ]

Chairman Okuda's Press Conference

January 13, 2004

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 13 January 2004. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.

(Keidanren sent its members a declaration to raise awareness on environment)
Nippon Keidanren intends to promote voluntary measures by its member countries including: (1) Promotion of its voluntary action plan on global warming and industrial wastes, (2) promotion of environmentally friendly goods and services, and (3) promotion of public relations activities on corporate activities on environment.

(On political contributions)
The first round result of political party policy appraisal will be made public later this month after final deliberations and adjustments.

(Dispatch of Self Defense Forces to Iraq)
Considering Japan's position in the international arena, the decision to dispatch of Self Defense Forces is justified. Both those dispatching and those dispatched must realize that there is no such zone of risk free in Iraq.

(Cooperation towards China's bullet train project)
Working level contacts have been continuing since my last visit to China in November last year. Japan might have to take in account recent reports indicating that China may wish to speed up rail links other than between Beijing and Shanghai.

(On bird flu)
Virus and epidemics across national boundaries is inevitable, as free movement of goods and people is getting more and more frequent. In these days both the government and private institutions should step up preventive and quarantine measures.


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