The government has decided to appoint Yasuchika Hasegawa, chairman of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, as a member of a panel to discuss the nation's industrial growth strategy, sources said Saturday.
The government also plans to select Keio University professor Heizo Takenaka, who has served as economic and fiscal policy minister, as a member of the Industrial Competitiveness Council.
The council, a key component of the economic revitalization headquarters led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, will engage in mapping out a growth strategy centering on regulatory reforms and funding plans around June.
Hiroshi Mikitani, president of online shopping mall operator Rakuten Inc., and Yasuhiro Sato, president of Mizuho Financial Group and head of the Japanese Bankers Association, are also being eyed as potential members of the council.
The economic revitalization headquarters, which intends to hold its first meeting Tuesday, will officially decide on the appointment of about 10 members to the council this week so they can start discussions possibly later this month, the sources said.