Govt to delay decisions on TPP, social security, taxes: Kan
Nikkei.com | Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Govt to delay decisions on TPP, social security, taxes: Kan
TOKYO (Nikkei)—The government will postpone beyond the initial June deadline making final decisions on whether to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks and push through social security and tax reforms, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Tuesday morning.
Speaking at an upper house budget committee meeting, Kan said the government is prioritizing helping those affected by the earthquake and tsunami and continuing efforts to contain the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
The TPP, social security and tax issues "will be considered after we can get a clearer picture of how the current situation will unfold," Kan said.
"The government needs to consider its priorities, including the corporate tax issue," Kan added, indicating that the government may review lowering the corporate tax rate, a step scheduled to take effect in fiscal 2011.
