Following is the gist of remarks made by Hiroshi Okuda, Chairman, Keidanren at a scheduled press conference following monthly Chairman and Vice Chairmen's meeting on 8 November 2004. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.
(On Keidanren member companies' assistance towards earthquake victims in Niigata)
I would like to express once more feeling of sympathy shared among Keidanren member companies towards earthquake victims in Niigata. To assist them, 205 Keidanren member companies have solicited ¥1.2 billion by November 5. Meanwhile, 160 member companies have offered to provide goods and services of their own free of charge.
(On recent visit to Four Southeast Asian countries)
I was able to meet and exchange views with Presidents and Prime Ministers of four countries visited with help and hard work of all concerned. They have all expressed wishes to further deepen ties with Japan through concluding overall and comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan at earliest possible time. I would like to convey our findings to the government leaders as early as possible.
(On disciplinary measures on UFJ Bank)
Financial Services Agency filed complaint on UFJ Bank for their evading the Agency's periodical inspection on October 7. The Bank asked to withdraw from the membership of the Board of Directors and to temporarily refrain membership activities. UFJ Bank's request was heard. The Bank is asked to voluntarily refrain from membership activities for six months effective today.
(On Environment Tax proposal by the Environment Ministry)
Businesses are the ones that have tried to cut down carbon dioxide emissions voluntarily through variety of measures including energy saving. However, the Environment Ministry's "Environment Tax" proposal levies further burden on businesses with only limited effects on civil and transport sectors that lag far behind businesses at the moment. The government must first plan to ask people to change life style to curb carbon-dioxide emission without levying additional tax.
(On re-elected President Bush)
We welcome re-election of President Bush, and the U. S. policy on Japan is not expected to change drastically. We expect the U. S. should pursue appropriate measures to stop further increase of the twin deficit.
(On recent appreciation of Japan's Yen)
Taking more overall view, I would say that it is the drop of dollar rather than rise in Yen. It is too early for Japan's manufacturers to downgrade the financial outlook at this moment.
(On mistakes on annual financial reporting by Nippon Television Network)
It is regrettable to hear the report that Nippon Television Network falsely reporting their finance, but we are still waiting for detail information.