A forum set up by business leaders to help attract more foreign investment agreed Thursday in Tokyo at its first meeting to present a proposal to the government in December.
"The importance of investment in Japan will become larger, although current levels are very low," said Mitsubishi Corp. Chairman Minoru Makihara, who chairs the forum, in his opening address.
The meeting was attended by 14 executives, including Nissan Motor Co. President Carlos Ghosn and Orix Corp. Chairman Yoshihiko Miyauchi.
The forum is expected to hold meetings in the coming weeks to discuss issues related to the manufacturing, information technology and financial sectors.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Makihara said the prolonged economic slump is responsible for the low levels of foreign investment.
"We would like to make specific and easy-to-understand proposals," he said.
