Note 2-10

(10) As for small and medium, and regional financial institutions, the government plans to implement measures in fiscal 2003 and 2004 to develop an NPL disposal system and enhance the relationship banking system (a business model for financial institutions to provide loans while getting information on borrowers through their long-term relationship). These measures are aimed at resolving the NPL problem while reviving small and medium enterprises and reinvigorating regional economies.