The above indicates that production, income, and expenditure show negative interactions with one another. In these circumstances, the economic stimulus package was decided, and the fiscal 1998 supplementary budget bill was submitted to the Diet. These measures are expected to boost demand through additional fiscal expenditure and special income tax-reduction and thereby alleviate the downward pressures on the economy.
*  *  *  Yesterday we had very absorbing discussions on macro issues, regulatory perspectives and risk management challenges relating to Basel II. We are now not debating whether to go forward with Basel II but how to implement Basel II. In fact, understanding Basel II concepts is one step away from agreeing to it in principle.