Following is the gist of remarks made by Hiroshi Okuda, Chairman, Nippon-Keidanren at a scheduled press conference on 26 April 2004. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(On pension reform)
I visited Prime Minister Koizumi today to urge pension system reform. He acknowledged my request.
(On the state of Japan's economy)
Figures and statistics are showing improvement, except for employment. Though possible risk factors include the outlook of the U. S. and Chinese economy, as well as stability of foreign exchange and interest rate, my personal observation is quite optimistic, including stock market value.
(Evaluating 3-years of Prime Minister Koizumi's administration)
Recently, he is supported by outside factors such as improvement in the U. S. and Chinese economy. Because of these outside factors, prolonging problems such as non-performing loan and excess production facility have improved. I believe that his scores have gone up since January. From now, he has to complete two privatizations (Japan Post and Japan Highway Public Corporation) as well as integrated approach towards welfare reform and decentralization of administrations.
(On proposed bill on reforming Anti Monopoly Act)
Keidanren has been saying that current and planned reform of the Act include some impermissible clauses so discussion over them with various sectors of the society must be carefully conducted before the bill must be submitted to the Diet. Keidanren should be able to submit a counter-proposal if given time until the next Diet session following July's House of Councilors' election.
(On constitution debate)
Keidanren is planning to establish a committee at annual meeting in May to discuss on constitution, foreign policy, and national security.