Small producers and traders to fight against bad government: Zenshoren

The National Federation of Merchant and Industrialist Organizations (Zenshoren) held its 46th General Assembly from May 22-24 in Kyoto and decided to build up a movement in opposition to the government policy of destroying the basic conditions for small- and medium-sized producers and traders.

In the opening speech, Zenshoren President Ichikawa Kiichi called on Zenshoren members "to reject the present political and economic course serving the interests of large corporations and the financial sector and demand that the general public and smaller businesses be respected as the key players."

General Secretary Uchida Takeshi reported on Zenshoren's recent activities and stressed that its movement in opposition to a consumption tax rate increase is gaining influence and momentum.

Zenshoren organizes small producers and traders with over 9 employees, which account for 80 percent of offices in Japan with 30 percent of Japan's employment and play a big part in the Japanese economy. Its aim is to defend the rights of these small business operators and improve their economic and social status by demanding a democratic and equitable tax system and a finance policy that helps small businesses.

Speaking on behalf of the Japanese Communist Party, Vice Chair Ishii Ikuko condemned the ruling Liberal Democratic and Komei parties for imposing undemocratic policies causing difficulties for small businesses.

Zenshoren has 310,000 members in over 600 units and over 400,000 readers of its weekly paper. They hold symposiums and study meetings to promote cooperation with workers, consumers, and farmers. (end)