Press Conference by Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister for Financial Services

(Excerpt)

(Thursday, December 27, 2012, from 2:19 to 2:50 p.m.)

[Questions and Answers]

Q.

You said that the economy depends largely on sentiment. In relation to the tax system reform, I understand that the Financial Services Agency (FSA) is hoping to introduce the Japanese version of the ISA (tax exemption for dividend income and capital gains related to small-amount investments in listed stocks) as a permanent measure. Could you comment on that?

A.

It is difficult to say whether I support or oppose that idea. Introducing it as a permanent measure may be a little difficult.

(End)