The global economic woes triggered by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States will probably put Japan in the dilemma of trying to reconcile reform with growth, when finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven major economic powers gather Saturday in Washington.
The G7 meeting was originally scheduled for late last month, but was postponed due to security concerns following the terrorist attacks.
Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa is expected to reiterate Japan's resolve to pursue two goals — structural reform and steps to prop up the ailing economy — but the attacks have apparently narrowed Tokyo's policy options.