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2011 June 22 - 28 [GREAT EAST JAPAN DISASTER]

Gov’t reconstruction council proposes fishery deregulation

The government’s Reconstruction Design Council on June 25 called for the deregulation of the fishery industry in the disaster-hit Tohoku region in its primary proposal submitted to Prime Minister Kan Naoto.

The proposal states that the post-disaster reconstruction should “pursue the possibilities of an economic society that will lead the way into the future.”

In response to Miyagi Governor Murai Yasuhiro’s suggestion, the proposal calls for a “special zone” to be established where private firms will be allowed to obtain fishing rights.

At a press conference on June 22, Council Chair Iokibe Makoto said that international competitiveness must be nurtured in the domestic fishery industry. “To this end, corporate participation is important,” he added.

As for funds for the post-quake reconstruction, the Council suggested that an increase in key taxes be examined, a proposal that paves the way for a future hike in the consumption tax rate.

Although the proposal calls on the government to promote renewable energy sources and initiate low-energy use measures, it stopped short of calling for a reduction of nuclear power plants in the nation.