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Issue 29       [January 2009] 
                           OCCI e-Magazine
                http://www.osaka.cci.or.jp/e/index.html
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[CONTENTS, January 2009]

<< NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE >>
   --- Turning Crisis into a Chance for Change
   (from Akio Nomura, Chairman, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

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<< NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE >>
   --- Turning Crisis into a Chance for Change
   (from Akio Nomura, Chairman, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry)


   At the beginning of 2009, I would like to offer readers the New Year's 
Greetings with my best wishes.

   Looking back over the past year, most outstanding was the global financial 
crisis that emerged while record-breaking high prices of crude oil and 
other raw materials continued. The whole world has been reawakened to the importance 
of substance-based economy with tangible achievements such as manufacture of 
useful products, through the apparent breakdown of the monetary capitalism permitting 
the "money game" rampantly played. Gravely affected by the economic slowdown over 
the world, the economy of Japan fell back into recessional phases, and the prospects 
for the Osaka-Kansai region's immediate future are also increasingly severe, with 
its once steadily growing export sector now backing away.

   The world will come to a crucial point this year. We should take the opportunity 
to "turn the crisis into a chance for change". We count on the Government to 
eventually carry through its structural reform and economic stimulation strategies 
to securely rebuild the foundation for new development. In the Osaka-Kansai region, 
we must further promote investments in plant and equipment for leading manufacturers, 
redevelopment of city-center areas and consolidation of infrastructure for traffic 
or transport and distribution systems, to consequently revitalize the regional 
economy and the SMEs (small and medium enterprises) as its mainstay. We at the 
Osaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry will continue to proceed with our growth strategy 
based on the "Plan to Create Liveliness in Osaka".

   For the region's continuing development and for the growth of forefront advanced 
industries with far-reaching effects, we will focus on the strengthening of manufacturing 
and bio industries that contribute to ecodevelopment utilizing our enterprises' energy-saving 
and energy-creating technologies. Enhancing the city attractions based on consolidated 
infrastructure for transport and distribution systems, we will also lay emphasis on 
tourism industry to attract more visitors from both abroad and within the country.


   The environment for promotion and management of business this year will remain 
undeniably severe. We at the Osaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry will 'keep the foot 
on the ground' and continue to concentrate on steady-going projects with substance 
for the benefits of all concerned.

   With sincere hope for your support and cooperation, I wish you continued good 
health and every success.

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