Pledge to create jobs

Agence France-Presse

Aso said by 2020 the plan - which would boost renewable energy, elderly care and cultural exports - would increase gross domestic product, or GDP, by 120 trillion yen ($1.2 trillion) and create four million new jobs. Aso, who faces elections later this year, is preparing a major stimulus package that aims to revive the economy.

Outlining the growth plan in a speech, Aso said: "Over the next three years I will create new demand of 40 to 60 trillion yen ($400-$600 billion) and 1.4 to 2 million jobs in total."

"I believe it is possible to boost real GDP by 120 trillion yen and create jobs for four million people in 2020."