British PM urges Japan to open its financial system

The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has urged Japan and other Asian countries to open their financial systems to restore confidence in their economies.

Mr Blair -- who's visiting Japan -- told a local television television TV Asahi that the financial systems should be open and accountable.

He also praised Tokyo's efforts to introduce reforms to the financial sector and said Japan should not underestimate the strength of its economy.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service