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

December 10, 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.

Expectations for General Election

Japan faces domestic and external problems that need immediate action. The upcoming general election is quite important because it will decide the nation's path toward overcoming a pile of tough challenges. Political parties need to tell the people clearly and definitely what their basic stances on the key policy issues are and how they will tackle the difficulties. Voters are anticipated to make a thorough review of what shown by political parties and leaders before making a decision.

TPP

Mexico and Canada have already joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks and Thailand has expressed its interest in participating in the negotiations. It is reported that negotiating leaders have agreed on aiming to conclude the process no later than 2013. Japan needs to join the talks without delay to take part in the formulation of multinational rules in the initial stage.