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Issue 19       [January 2008] 
                           OCCI e-Magazine
                http://www.osaka.cci.or.jp/e/index.html
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[CONTENTS, January 2008]

<< NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE >>
   (from Akio Nomura, Chairman, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

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<< NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE >>

   At the beginning of 2008, I would like to offer my felicitations, and 
wish readers of OCCI e-Magazine a Happy New Year.

   Our prospects for the economy of Japan this year remain hopeful, with 
the business sector, mainly exports, keeping up the showing for continuation 
of a moderate development. Since various possible risks, both domestic and 
overseas, are not likely to dissolve soon, it is urgently required to dispel 
a vague sense of uneasiness for the future in the people's mind. To reestablish 
the line of economic growth, we have to carry out reforms in all areas of 
politics, economy and business management and also to bravely challenge some 
risks or new ventures. For us, 2008 should be the year of 'dauntless challenges 
and unslacked reforms'.

   In the Osaka/Kansai region also, our efforts should be accelerated to further 
enhance industrial competitiveness, through some innovations in small and medium 
enterprises, more active exchanges with Asian countries, early improvement of 
urban infrastructure and main terminal bases. We also look to both the Osaka 
Prefectural and Municipal Governments under new heads for the able leadership 
to revitalize the economy of Osaka/Kansai by continued administrative and financial 
reforms and other strategies for economic growth. Through such reforms in both 
public and private sectors, liveliness in the region would be enhanced and it 
would then be possible for Osaka/Kansai to lead the sustainable growth of 
the Japanese economy.

   Based on our strategy for growth, the plan " to Create Liveliness in Osaka", 
we at the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry will, in fiscal 2008, launch 
the 'Action Plan II' with consideration of the results and tasks brought out 
from the workings on the Action Plan I of the plan since fiscal 2005. We will 
focus our efforts on deepening and expediting the "3 Groups of Engine Industries"
('New Manufacturing', 'Tourism', 'Life Science' Industries) and we will also start 
to work on the new project "Promotion of Environment-friendly New Products-making 
Industry". We will make endeavors also to strengthen measures to enhance 
the productivity of service industries and also to enliven shop-lined streets.

   In our activities, we work closely not only with our members, but also 
with all others concerned particularly those overseas. For our contacts and 
actions with such overseas interests, we would greatly appreciate your continued 
support and cooperation. Thank you.