Japan unveils stimulus plans
Source: Agencies |
December 31, 2009, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
JAPAN'S prime minister, faced with fading support as the country struggles to maintain its fledgling economic recovery, yesterday outlined a new set of measures to spur growth over the next decade.
The plan aims for the country's economy to expand at an average of 2 percent over the next 10 years, with gross domestic product to grow to 650 trillion yen (US$7 trillion) from the 473 trillion yen projected for the current fiscal year.
Final details are to be set by June of next year, ahead of nationwide elections for the upper house of parliament. That vote is seen as a major test for the new government, which swept to power this year by winning a majority in the powerful lower house, but has seen its popularity plunge by double digits in recent polls.
"With the understanding that the new government's ability to take action is being tested at this time, we will do whatever it takes to achieve this," Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told a news conference.
Hatoyama also said Japan would become less reliant on the United States economically and increase trade with its Asian neighbors, targeting a free trade zone in the region by 2020.
"Until now our connection with the US has been very strong. Naturally this will continue to be the case in maintaining security. But in terms of economic growth, it is necessary to look closely at Asia as a new frontier," he said.
While the world's second-largest economy has shown some signs of recovery recently, including higher exports from its factories, deflation remains a major concern, and domestic demand is in a prolonged slump.
The new plan includes creating a US$540 billion market for environmentally friendly products and renewable energy to create 1.4 million jobs. It also seeks to create 2.8 million jobs in the health and care-giving sectors for Japan's aging population.
Last week, Japan unveiled a record US$1 trillion budget for the next fiscal year, aiming to grow by 1.4 percent.
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