Aso wants ¥20 trillion stimulus package
The government and ruling bloc will draw up additional economic measures that could cost as much as ¥20 trillion to help lift the economy out of recession, sources said Feb. 15.
The government and Liberal Democratic Party-New Komeito coalition reportedly hope to compile the fresh stimulus steps and announce the plan ahead of a summit of the Group of 20 economies in London on April 2, and the release of corporate annual earnings reports through March.
Three economic steps have been adopted between August and December.
The government and the ruling parties hope to finance the stimulus steps by compiling a supplementary budget for fiscal 2009, which starts in April.
Prime Minister Taro Aso will have to be careful about deciding the timing for the bill's compilation and its passage because it would affect when the next general election will be held, the sources said.
The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 21, 2009 (C) All rights reserved
|