Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged on Thursday that he will further push ahead with government's growth strategy aimed at revitalization of Japan's economy and recovery from the 2011 earthquake.
In a policy speech at a parliament session, Abe also emphasized the need to reform social security, agriculture and education systems.
"We are required drastic reforms in this parliament session to pursue the growth strategy. To ensure the end of the country's deflation, the government postponed a planned tax hike to 10 percent till April 2017," the premier told lawmakers.
"The government aims to raise salaries and create a virtuous economic circle that will help simultaneously achieve economic revitalization, fiscal rehabilitation and social security reform.
"Japan's GDP shrank at an annualized rate of 1.9 percent in the July-September period last year, contracting for two straight quarters. As for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement, Abe said, "TPP negotiations have entered on the last phase, and the exit is finally in sight. Japan will take the initiative with the US in the negotiations for an early conclusion." On national security, Abe called on national debate over his ultimate goal of amending the pacifist Constitution, which was imposed by the US after the end of World War II. Turning to diplomacy, the premier vowed to the country's humanitarian aid to the Middle East, such as food and medical care. While condemning the Islamic State group for the recent killings of two Japanese hostages, Abe stressed, "We will never give in to terrorism. Japan will fulfill responsibility as a humanitarian aid donor in the international fight against terrorism." He also vowed to improve ties with China and South Korea, and expressed hope to realize a visit to Japan by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the appropriate time this year.