Prime Minister Taro Aso pledged Wednesday to rescue Japan from the ongoing economic recession by taking "bold" economic and employment steps.

"By pressing ahead with bold measures, I will make Japan the first country in the world to emerge from the present economic recession," said Aso in his address at the Diet.

"To deal with an unusual economy, extraordinary steps are vital, " he added.

Since last year, the 68-year-old politician has formulated a string of economic stimulus packages worth a total of 75 trillion yen, which are included in the two extra budgets for fiscal 2008 and the fiscal 2009 budget.

In his speech, Aso also urged the public to brace for heavier burdens, such as a hike in consumption tax, to help build a better social welfare society.

In order to achieve sustainable economic growth, the prime minister was determined to hammer out new growth strategies and proposed leading a "low-carbon revolution" to create world-leading environmental technologies and realizing effective medical and nursing services.

Aso also voiced his determination to work with U.S. President Barack Obama to tackle critical issues such as the global financial turmoil, terrorism and climate change.

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2009)