Following is the gist of remarks made by Hiroshi Okuda, Chairman, Keidanren at a scheduled press conference on 25 October 2004. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(On Keidanren's support toward victims of recent large-scale earthquake hitting Niigata)
I would like to offer my deepest words of condolence on those who deceased and words of sympathy to those who suffered through series of earthquakes hitting Niigata Prefecture and its vicinity. Keidanren, through its "1% Club" activities, would like to offer human resources, substance, or financial support depending on the needs of affected area. The government should provide substance and finance quickly in ample amount and that it may also consider provision of a supplemental budget depending on the extent of damages.
(On planned visit to ASEAN member countries next week)
I would like to inform the leadership of these countries on the status of Japan's economy and in turn would like to know how these leaders are trying to promote their socio-economic development, EPA (FTA) with Japan, and so on. Obviously findings of the visit will be reported to concerned government ministries.
(On the U. S. Presidential election)
The U. S. approach to Japan should not change much regardless of the outcome of the upcoming Presidential election. I wouldn't predict the winner.
(On current yen-dollar rate)
As I have been saying, preferable rate is a stable transition within the range of ¥110 to ¥115 per dollar. If current level of ¥106/dollar is out of the range, and transition is too quick. However, effect of the exchange rate on Japan's economy must be looked at from longer range.
(On Environmental Tax proposal)
Keidanren has been against the introduction of Environment Tax as the Environment Ministry has not explained enough on how to use the collected tax.
(On alleged insider trading by Seibu Railway Co., Ltd.)
The case not well known to us as it is under investigation at the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission. At Keidanren, Seibu is currently abstaining from its membership activities for its transactions with anti-social forces earlier this year, and it might be asked to extend the abstention or additional levies depending on future findings.
(On China's gas exploration in East China Sea)
The real cause of the issue is both countries relying too much on oil from the Middle East. This might become an important bilateral agenda during this century.