RENGO held a roundtable discussion with KEIDANREN (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations) for the first time in three years, holding policy talks on the morning of December 21. President Etsuya Washio, Deputy President Tsuneo Enomoto, 9 Vice Presidents, and Secretary General Kiyoshi Sasamori were among the members representing RENGO. Attending from KEIDANREN was Chairman Takashi Imai, Vice Chairmen Yoshifumi Tsuji and Minoru Makihara, Senior Managing Director Ryukoh Wada, and others. Both sides vigorously exchanged opinions on pressing policy issues including employment, economics, and the environment.

Photo:"Reflect our views in politics," says President Washio, at KEIDANREN, Dec. 21.

In his opening speech, KEIDANREN Chairman Imai stated that "the reason for low stock prices was due to delayed structural reform" and stressed the necessity of pushing forward with reforms that have been delayed because of the government's priority on economic recovery. Chairman Imai also underscored the necessity of promoting deregulation in the fields of medical and nursing care, labor, and education, as well as economic reform led by IT (Information Technology)-based technology development, both of which are key to structural reform.

President Washio of RENGO said in his speech that he hoped to deepen the discussion on employment, economic measures, financial structure reform and medical care reform as the main issues for debate. Further, he encouraged holding regular talks and said, "the reason why the Japanese economy made a prosperous society was because discussions between labor and management got results. From now on, not only will discussion between labor and management be necessary but also forming a social consensus. It is essential that we exchange our opinions despite our differences and that our discussions are reflected in politics."

Following Washio's speech, Secretary General of RENGO Sasamori explained key RENGO policy issues with the attendees. Topics covered included (1) economic management and tax system reform, (2) job creation and employment stabilization measures, (3) social security system reform, (4) national drive for environmental conservation, and Sasamori asked for the understanding of those in attendance.

KEIDANREN Senior Managing Director Wada explained the following activities:
(1) a "grand design" for economy and finance,(2) medical care system reform, and (3) new deregulation.
In the wake of the issues raised by each side, vigorous discussions were conducted from both standpoints on items such as the environment, deregulation, and local autonomy.

In closing, President Washio added, "we would like to see discussions on the secretariat level," and asked for cooperation in developing deeper mutual relations in the future taking full advantage of this conference after its three year hiatus.