As I prepare to attend the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, I fear that recent instability in the world economy might hijack the debate and dominate the agenda.

Indeed, the aftermath of the US lending binge has caused ructions all over the world, including in Japan where stock prices have fallen sharply and the yen has begun to appreciate. I should stress that Japan’s economic potential is still formidable and I invite more investment into our country. For what one sees in Davos is the world’s largest bazaar for investor relations.