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Executives' Comments  Press Conferences Chairman Yonekura's comments at his Press Conference

March 12, 2012

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

Keidanren's Mission to ASEAN countries

Economic growth in the whole Asia-Pacific region will accelerate through business environment improvement in a way that every country will be benefited. I expressed that the TPP and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia (CEPEA) should steadily develop into the ultimate goal, the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) no later than 2020. The idea met with the ASEAN leaders' approval.

The political leadership of Vietnam and Malaysia negotiating to join the TPP expressed great expectations for Japan' participation enhancing the value of the EPA. In a meeting with the government leaders of the Philippines having no seat at the table in accession talks, the delegation members were requested to see ASEAN as one when addressing the key issue.

The Japanese Economy

The current yen-dollar exchange rate is casting a pale light over the Japanese economy. Almost all the private financial institutions have recently agreed to reduce Greece's debt. It has led to a sense of relief having positive influence on the direction of foreign exchange market transactions.

There is, however, still concern that long-term fiscal austerity may affect the real economy in Europe. There remains a need to stay alert.

Executives' Comments