The head of the government-backed industrial revitalization corporation could be appointed by the end of March, industrial revival minister Sadakazu Tanigaki hinted Tuesday.
The debt clearing house is scheduled to be set up in May.
"We will have to come up with some ideas" by March 31, when the Diet is expected to pass a bill to establish the corporation, Tanigaki said.
Tanigaki also declined comment on whether he has any specific person in mind.
At a separate news conference, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Takeo Hiranuma said he has heard of several candidates and urged Tanigaki to pick one as soon as possible, adding, "The sooner the better."
Just who will assume the presidency of the corporation has been a topic of speculation, along with who will succeed Bank of Japan Gov. Masaru Hayami.
As for the successor to the central bank chief, whose term expires March 19, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Monday he will name someone around Feb. 20.