Chairman's Messages

Chairman's Speeches

Chairman Kokubu’s Comments on the Cabinet Reshuffle

August 10, 2022

Today, the prime minister announced the first Cabinet reshuffle since the inauguration of the Second Kishida Cabinet. The JFTC welcomes this powerful lineup, which is expected to be capable of decisive action. We hope that the new Cabinet will leverage the strong mandate earned in the recent House of Councillors election to swiftly implement policies that Japan truly requires once they have been fully explained to the people. On the diplomatic front, we urge the new Cabinet to grasp the initiative in working toward restoration of the international order, which currently faces growing insecurity.

With a view to invigorating social and economic activity as Japan lives with COVID-19, we hope that the new Cabinet will firstly draw up and publicize specific policies founded on the Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management Reform 2022 recently approved by the Cabinet. We also hope it will proactively address a range of issues from a medium- to long-term perspective, including achievement of both carbon neutrality by 2050 and energy security, practicable energy policy that does not risk economic stagnation, and infrastructure system design aimed at building an internationally competitive digital society.

The JFTC will act in accord with the government to build economic security strategies including more resilient supply chains, and to maintain and strengthen frameworks based on free and fair rules. We also hope that Japan will continue to set a course toward fulfilling its mission as a flag bearer for free trade that connects international economies.