Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori once again pledged Thursday to carry out drastic reforms of the nation's economy by supporting the development of information technology.
"I plan to achieve my most important policy goal, which is to implement drastic reforms of the nation's economy, swiftly through the development of information technology," Mori told a meeting of experts from home and abroad tasked with discussing Japan's future.
"(IT development) is an important factor that will decide this country's future, and I am convinced that by offering support in that sector, the Japanese economy will develop to take a leading role in the new age," he said.
The conference, held at a Tokyo hotel, was attended by experts from Japan the United States, Britain, Hong Kong and Thailand. Among those present were Keio University Professor Heizo Takenaka and Edward Chen, president of Hong Kong's Lingnan College.
"In the course of developing into an IT society, Japan fell behind advanced countries such as the U.S. and those in Europe and Asia," Mori said, adding that he will "try to spark an IT revolution."
Last month, Japan's parliament enacted a law that commits the government to easing restrictions on promoting e-commerce, developing top-class IT networks and working toward establishing paperless "electronic central and local governments."
The specifics for implementing the commitments will be incorporated into the IT Basic Law in the next regular Diet session, which is expected in January.
"The development of an advanced online network and the spread of IT in the nation's economy and society will . . . boost Japan's potential growth," Mori said.