On March 23, 2020, the Prime Minister attended the fourth Intensive Hearing on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Real Economy at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
I would like to express my appreciation to you for meeting today, despite your busy schedules and at such a late hour.
The government is prioritizing the protection of the health of the public above all, and we are exerting every effort to prevent the spread of infections, and prevent symptoms from getting severe and control outbreaks.
Against this backdrop, the economy has been heavily impacted, including by the decline in inbound and domestic tourists as well as by our request of cancelation, postponement or downscaling of events. We are aware that business operators like you are facing difficult times.
In light of this situation, we have asked those who are confronting a particularly difficult business environment to gather here today. We are joined by representatives of top management in the transportation industry, such as local train services, chartered bus services, passenger ships, and scheduled airline services, as well as those representing owners of Japanese inns, travel agencies and gift shops, which are facing a significant decline in travel.
We would like to ask for your candid comments today.
We are resolved to protect employment, no matter what. We will extend support that enables business owners to continue their businesses. Furthermore, after making an effort or all-out efforts to contain the outbreaks, we want to return the Japanese economy to a growth path, aiming at a V-shaped recovery. We would like to implement strong economic and fiscal policies to that end. Today, we would like to hear your candid views, such as what needs you have and what you wish the government to do, and intend to incorporate them into our policies to be formulated. I ask for your cooperation.”
資料來源：Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet
Comentários