I recommend Mr. Yonekura as the next chairman of Keidanren mainly due to the following reasons;
Mr. Yonekura is a person of character with excellent business leadership and extensive and profound knowledge.
He is also rich in experience of Keidanren activities. He knows very well about international affairs and has a keen sense of direction in the global competition. This is mostly needed in our times.
I would like him to go ahead and ensure good and safe life for the people through promotion of policy measures to vitalize business activities.
The items on the priority list of Keidanren are:
Implementation of "New Growth Strategy Toward a Radiant Japan" to come out of a deflationary phase and keep growing, package reform of tax, fiscal and social security system, formation of larger administrative regions or Doshu-sei, realization of e-government and expansion of EPA network.
These issues should be solved under the strong leadership of Mr. Yonekura through further policy dialogues with political leaders.
It is a distinct honor to have warm and suggestive words from Mr. Mitarai. I will do all I can do to contribute to prosperity of Japan and the world. I will maintain Mr. Mitarai's lines to tackle with various problems before us. I am committed to improve business environment together with the government so that private sectors can display its entire ability and secure a sustainable economic growth. In the process, Keidanren must always listen to the people and walk with them.
Our positions on specific key policy issues will be unveiled at the general assembly on May 27.