Japan Discusses Lifting Emergency... Abe Announces Guidelines to Boost Corporate Activities

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] As the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Japan slows down somewhat, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seeking an exit strategy. He announced on the 11th that while discussing the lifting of the state of emergency, guidelines will be prepared within this week to allow companies to resume economic activities.

According to Nihon Keizai Shimbun and others, Prime Minister Abe appeared before the House of Representatives Budget Committee on the same day and stated that he is steadily pursuing measures related to COVID-19. Abe said, "I want to hear opinions from experts on the 14th and announce whether a partial lifting is possible."

The Japanese government is reportedly coordinating to hold a COVID-19 expert meeting on the 14th and lift the state of emergency uniformly for 34 prefectures except for some specific prefectures. The situation of confirmed cases from the 11th to the 13th is expected to influence the final decision. Economic Revitalization Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said, "The lifting of the state of emergency is in sight for prefectures where the number of new infections has significantly improved," adding, "It is necessary to keep in mind that if the number of infections increases again after lifting, the designation may be reinstated."

The Japanese government is also expected to prepare a second supplementary budget soon to respond to the economic impact of COVID-19. The government aims to complete the National Diet's review and approval of the second supplementary budget, which includes support measures for small and medium-sized business owners struggling with monthly rent burdens and economically disadvantaged university students, within the regular Diet session ending on the 17th of next month.

Prime Minister Abe said, "If I judge that more measures are necessary, I want to respond boldly," and added, "I intend to quickly devise additional measures so that there will be no disruption to continuing studies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.