CCTV9英语新闻：Japan's PM addresses businessmen, economic officials（在线收听）

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has addressed the country's key business leaders and economic officials at a New Year gathering.

Abe stressed the importance of revitalizing the Japanese economy and he outlined the policies he hopes will achieve that goal. Statistics released in early December show Japan's economy shrank by 1.9 percent in the third quarter last year.  

This caught many economists by surprise, as they thought the economy could recover sooner from the tax hike. Over a week ago, Japan approved a 3.5 trillion yen, or 29 billion US dollar stimulus package, to spur consumption, as well as provide funds to ease the pain of inflation on businesses and consumers.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has addressed the country's key business leaders and economic officials at a New Year gathering.