METI Parliamentary Vice Minister Sato Exchanged Views with Business Owners and Entities who Support the Regional Economy-A Meeting for Frank Discussion among Enterprises Supporting the Regional Economy was Held in Yamagata Prefecture-

In January 2013, uniting the efforts of the Minister, State Ministers and Parliamentary Vice Ministers, as well as those of the Regional Bureaus of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) launched an effort in which it carefully collects direct opinions of regional economic associations, regionally-based key enterprises, and other entities, and also reflects such opinions in Japan's growth strategies and economic policies so as to revitalize the regional economy.

In the context of this effort, Parliamentary Vice Minister Sato attended the meeting and exchanged views with business owners and entities who support the regional economy.

At the meeting, Parliamentary Vice Minister Sato exchanged profound views with a small group of regional medium-sized and key enterprises concerning some issues, such as the efforts of businesses who work hard for the region and possible requirements for developing the region in the future.

Parliamentary Vice Minister Sato and participants of the meeting

• Population decline and aging of the population are remarkable in the region. It is important to utilize the senior generation of people aged 65 and over.
• To address such population decline, it is necessary to create employment opportunities by firmly establishing enterprises that support child-rearing and highly intellectual industries.
• It is significant to develop an environment where customers are able to comprehend history and nature as regional resources. We would like to request METI to make it easier for elderly people to transfer trains at terminal stations.
• We would like to request METI to consider revitalization of the city center as well as support related to preservation and restoration of historic buildings and facilities preserved by private entities.
• Tsuruoka City is one of the optimum regions for research and development or creative work. Swift action is an important factor to provide the world with state-of-the art technology. Typically, converting farmland takes time, but it is impossible to win against global competition without swift action when needed.
• It is important to foster managerial human resources who start businesses in the region. To achieve this goal, public support will be necessary.
• Receiving subsidies is inconvenient. It is more important to establish a system that encourages fund raising, such as expanding the coverage of loans from the Credit Guarantee Corporation.
• Tsuruoka City has potential for small-scale hydraulic power generation. We would like METI to consider providing support to make use of natural energy in accordance with the actual conditions of each region.
• The idea of regional clusters organized by limited sectors is not sensible. New ideas to be conveyed to the world cannot be created without establishing clusters in a fashion that integrates or crosses sectors. Innovation requires measures with long-term vision.

May 2, 2013

Regional Economic and Industrial Policy Group