Japan PM to pledge strong economy
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is today set to open Parliament with a speech pledging more reforms and economic measures to pull the country out of its long period of deflation.
He is expected to push further deregulation, reforms and other steps to encourage household spending and investment, including some aimed at offsetting the impact of the consumption tax increase in April to 8% from the current 5%.
In his policy speech, he will also propose controversial plans to boost national security and participation in peacekeeping efforts around the world.
Japan's Parliament is returning from a recess that followed a sweeping upper house election victory by Mr Abe's ruling party in July.
It gave his coalition the majority in both houses, lowering hurdles for his government to pass key legislation.