Chairman Mitarai's comment at his press conference

March 24, 2008

Following is the gist of remarks made by Chairman Mitarai at his Press Conference. Translation is rush and tentative, and sequence of the gist does not necessarily coincide with words delivered.

( Road related taxes for wider purposes )

The expiration of the tentative tax rate would be a disaster. People's life could be damaged and local governments' finance could be ruined. This issue must be settled within this fiscal year. The heads of the Houses showed the path to follow in January.
Some of the country say that revenues from road-related taxes should be used for general purposes instead of not only for road construction. Others say no. The controversial issue should be included in the comprehensive tax reform debate. In the process, tax payers should never be ignored and budget for construction of roads needed should be ensured.

( Japanese yen to US dollar exchange rate )

The current strong yen is a product of the US economy recession. The strong yen in 1980' and the following hardship in 1990' have made Japanese companies stronger. Most of them can survive as long as the yen to the US dollar currency exchange rate remains from 100 to 110.

( Additional financial support to the ShinGinkou Tokyo )

If Tokyo assembly decides to save the bank with additional public money, best effort toward the reconstruction must be made to meet residents' expectation.


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