August 3, 2017

JAMA Comment on Announcement of Third Abe Cabinet
Hiroto Saikawa, Chairman, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.

The composition of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s new Cabinet was announced today. JAMA hopes that this restructured leadership team will follow through with the numerous reforms and other initiatives introduced to date under the policies of “Abenomics,” including the “‘Investments for the Future’ Strategy 2017” targeting the stable and steady expansion of a positive growth cycle for the Japanese economy.

Because trade liberalization is critical to the conduct of global business, we also look forward to redoubled efforts on the part of the Japanese government in advancing free trade through the implementation of free trade agreements, beginning with the early entry into force of the economic partnership agreement forged between Japan and the European Union.

The automobile industry is energetically engaged in the development and commercialization of autonomous driving, electrification and other cutting-edge technologies. We solicit the support of the government in accelerating the advancement and practical application of such technologies, as the automotive sector transitions to a new future.