STIMULATING DOMESTIC DEMAND

That brings me back to a fundamental point. Japan must respond to the expectations of the international community. As the Hiraiwa Report stresses, that response must include bold and effective measures to stimulate domestic demand and to open Japan's markets. For example, the Japanese government presently is reviewing a plan for four hundred thirty trillion yen in public works spending. We at Keidanren believe the government should add over one hundred trillion yen to that amount for investment in social infrastructure such as housing, information and communications projects, and social welfare programs. Investment in those sectors yields an especially strong economic stimulus. And those sectors include many elements that figure directly in raising the quality of life and in blazing new business frontiers.

Home Page in English