Japan premier’s advisers will speak at business event before BOJ meeting

TOKYO, Nov 21 (Reuters) – Reflationist advisers of Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi will speak on a panel hosted by Keidanren on December 17 on the new administration’s strategy to strengthen the economy, the business lobby said on Friday.

The event will be held a day before the Bank of Japan’s two-day policy meeting on December 18 and 19, when the board may discuss raising still-low interest rates.

The panelists include Etsuro Honda, a close economic adviser to Takaichi. Honda said in October the BOJ should be cautious about raising interest rates again.

Former BOJ Deputy Governor Masazumi Wakatabe, who told Reuters it would be difficult for the central bank to hike rates this year, will also speak on the panel.

Other speakers include private economist Toshihiro Nagahama, who, along with Wakatabe, called for big stimulus as members of a key government panel, as well as another reflationist-minded economist, Takuji Aida.

The December 17 event will be held in Tokyo from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (0500-0700 GMT).

Since taking office last month, Takaichi has vowed to reflate the economy with big spending backed by low interest rates. Her administration finalised a $135 billion stimulus package on Friday that will likely involve debt issuance.

Market concern over Japan’s expansionary fiscal policy and prospects of slow BOJ rate hikes have pushed the yen to 10-month lows against the dollar, triggering warnings from policymakers fretting about the inflationary impact of the weak currency.

Reporting by Leika Kihara; Editing by Sonali Paul

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