Chairman Mitarai's comment at his press conference

June 23, 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.

( Global warming )

The emissions trade trial proposed by PM Fukuda is anticipated to be shaped in line with the Keidanren's action plan on global warming. Our involvement in the project will be considered when it takes shape.
"Eco-tax" for a specific purpose is unacceptable, although some of tax revenue should be used for environment policy measures.

( What is Diet session for? )

It is regrettable that political parties focused on power game rather than policy debate in the Diet session. Japan doesn't have a monopoly of divided Diet. Ruling and opposition parties should make a rule to make laws even in the tough situation by the next Diet session.

( Decentralization reform )

The policy direction of decentralization reform recently determined by the Japanese government is basically in accordance with the counsel written in the first report of the council members. It is a good leap. Reform of the local branch offices of the central government should never be omitted in the process of the decentralization.
It is important to improve inefficiency caused by duplicated function of central and local governments.


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