Chairman Mitarai's comment at his press conference

( The outlook of the Japanese economy )

The export to Asian countries and production in Japan has recently stopped declining and shown a sign of recovery. These positive factors improve the employment situation. But it will take quite a long time before the circumstances never allow us to be optimistic about the outlook of the Japanese economy.

( The economic and fiscal reform plan for 2009 )

The government is expected to show a bright future in the report. It is necessary to ensure a stable source of revenue to carry out fiscal improvement and institutional reform towards the sustainable social security system. Consumption tax rate raise will be unavoidable in the process.

( The Post Kyoto framework )

The mid-term gas emission goal of Japan is very tough. The industry is committed to contribute to green house gas reduction through further technological innovation and its thorough distribution to the society. The government is required to strengthen policy measures to lead people to eco-oriented consumption. The following key points should be emphasized by the Japanese government in the international negotiation towards the Post Kyoto framework:

1. All the countries responsible for a great amount of the emission need to do their duty by various means such as improving energy efficiency.
2. Fare condition in global business activities should be maintained when the global company works together on the global warming issue.