METI State Minister Akaba 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 Yamaguchi 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, State Minister Akaba attended the meeting and exchanged views with business owners and entities who support the regional economy.

State Minister Akaba and participants of the meeting

• Comprehensive energy policies have been discussed more actively than ever, and we would like METI to continue thorough consideration on ideal approaches to Japan's future energy policies.
• The accelerated depreciation of the yen might cause side effects including a sharp rise in the price of oil. In this context, it would be necessary to appropriately balance yen depreciation and appreciation.
• We hope that we can engage in our businesses, fairly trading at adequate prices, based on the idea of providing quality goods at appropriate prices, rather than the idea of providing cheaper goods with no consideration to quality.
• Concerning Japan's industries that are able to lead the world markets, we think that it is necessary for the Government of Japan to unite its efforts with Japanese enterprises, not relying on them alone, to create new industries as a national policy, as seen in overseas countries.
• A slump in fish prices, as well as a sharp rise in feed prices for fish farming, have been making impacts on business. In order to respond to this state, we think that it is necessary to regulate fishing quotas and to set periods for fishing bans.
• As a phenomenon commonly found in regional cities across Japan, the impacts of declining population and aging societies are serious. We should consider some specific measures for revitalizing regional economies that are able to be implemented even under this situation.
• We would like to request METI to provide not only support through transient budgetary measures but also continuing support.
• Advancement of major national-chain enterprises to regions will only bring standardization of regional cities, and as a result, such cities might lose their character and uniqueness. Revitalizing regional city centers is a challenge involving not only the development of regional enterprises but also the prosperity of regions and their cities.
• For business owners in regional cities, the problem of labeling prices including consumption tax involves troublesome labor and costs. To resolve this problem, we would like to request METI to provide us with some measures to ease this situation.
• Shimonoseki City is a gateway to the Asian continent. We hope that Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea will advance their dialogues to improve their relationship.

May 20, 2013

Regional Economic and Industrial Policy Group