Japan's Minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy Yasutoshi Nishimura delivers a speech during a press conference at the Prime Minister's office in Tokyo on Sept 17, 2020. Japan's parliament votes on Sept 16 for the country's next prime minister, with powerful cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga all but assured the top job, as Shinzo Abe ends his record-breaking tenure. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

TOKYO  - Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Thursday that new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had instructed him to take steps without hesitation to protect jobs, keep companies in business and help the economic recovery.

Nishimura, speaking to reporters, said he felt consumer spending was picking up in September and the pace of falls in exports was slowing.

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