Japan's trade minister to retain post in cabinet reshuffle: Nikkei

[TOKYO] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will likely reappoint Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko in a cabinet reshuffle next week, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Saturday.

Other key ministers, such as Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, Finance Minister Taro Aso and Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, will also retain their posts, the paper said without citing sources.

A close aide of Mr Abe, Mr Seko has played a key role in spearheading a growth strategy for Japan's economy as part of the premier's "Abenomics" package of measures to pull Japan out of deflation.

His reappointment would come at a time Japan faces pressure from US President Donald Trump to open up its markets under an agreement earlier this month to kick off bilateral trade talks.

Mr Abe will reshuffle his cabinet on Tuesday after winning a ruling party leadership vote last week, paving the way to become Japan's longest-serving premier.

REUTERS