[Title] Message from Prime Minister Naoto Kan

Greetings to everyone in Japan and beyond.

In 2010 Japan is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), welcoming delegations from 20 member economies in the region and holding minister-level meetings in various cities across Japan. We have begun deepening our discussions ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting that will start on November 13.

As the world continues to recover from the global financial and economic crisis, dynamic growth in Asia is a driving force in the global economy. The Asia-Pacific region has increasingly established its presence as "the center of the global economy". Japan would like to continue to contribute to the Asia-Pacific and global economy's recovery and development by addressing issues in three areas in an integrated manner to revive the Japanese economy: "economic growth", "sound fiscal policy" and "social security reform."

APEC has successfully made numerous contributions to the regional economy since its inception. Recently, however, the environment surrounding APEC has changed drastically. The international community is currently facing a critical turning point, or a "watershed moment in history," in terms of both its social security and its economy.

It is time for APEC to set forth a future vision for the Asia-Pacific region, one which meets the needs of the 21 century. During this critical year, as APEC chair Japan will work to fulfill the trust and expectations of the APEC economies by leading discussions on a new vision for APEC, one which will lead it to continue playing a key role in the region and across the globe. With this in mind, Japan has presented "Change and Action" as the theme for APEC 2010.

Specifically, APEC will work to further integrate the regional economy and formulate a mid- to long-term Growth Strategy for the region. APEC will approach growth from a wide array of perspectives in the Growth Strategy, striving for innovative and sustainable growth which is cognizant of environmental and energy-related issues. Under the Strategy, APEC will pursue growth that is inclusive and allows all people, instead of a select handful, to benefit from and enjoy the opportunities and results of growth, thus securing the social prosperity and growth of future generations.

APEC Japan 2010 presents a wonderful opportunity for visitors to experience the diverse attractions of Japan. We have received many messages of applause and gratitude from the member economies for the warm hospitality extended by the local governments and citizens of the cities which have hosted the various APEC-related meetings across Japan.

I look forward meeting my fellow APEC leaders during the Yokohama Leaders' Week in November and engaging them in sincere and earnest discussions regarding the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

October, 2010

Naoto Kan

Prime Minister of Japan