Chairman Nakamura’s Comments on the Cabinet Reshuffle

September 11, 2019

Today, the prime minister announced the second reshuffle of the Cabinet since the inauguration of the Fourth Abe Cabinet. We look forward to great things from the new government.

Globally, we face growing uncertainty and lack of clarity across various areas of politics and the economy, most notably with the prolonged trade frictions between the US and China and the confusion surrounding the UK’s exit from the EU.

In this context, the continuation in Japan of a long-term stable government is of vital importance, not only for Japan’s future, but from the perspective of Japan’s ability to exercise leadership in the international community.

First, regarding the Japan-US trade discussions that will take place in September, we hope that the new cabinet will achieve a comprehensive agreement on the various issues where there is no room for further negotiations, as well as working to implement the WTO reforms agreed at the G20 Osaka Summit and embarking on initiatives to ensure the success of the RCEP and other deals to promote economic partnership.

At the same time, we hope the new cabinet will take bold steps to address the challenges we face in Japan, by accelerating progress on a growth strategy adapted to the progress of digitalization worldwide, responding to the problems associated with the dwindling birthrate and aging society, improving the sustainability of the social security system, and by restoring fiscal health.