日本央行放宽灾后重建贷款政策

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has extended its loan scheme for banks operating in areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami by six months.

日本银行对遭受地震和海啸地区的银行实行延长六个月的贷款方案。

The central bank had offered 1tn yen ($13bn, £9bn) in special loans to banks to ensure liquidity for reconstruction efforts after the natural disasters.

The loan scheme was due to expire（期满） at the end of this month.

BOJ also left its interest rate unchanged at 0.1% in a bid to boost growth amid uncertain economic outlook.

"Rebuilding from the earthquake is the dominant story for Japan, and this will become an identifiable force in the second quarter of next year." said Adrian Foster of Rabobank International.

Uncertain outlook

Japan's economy in a recession and has contracted for three successive quarters.

Though the reconstruction and rebuilding efforts are expected to boost growth, analysts warned that external factors may hurt Japan's economy.

"Uncertainty over Europe remains and there is a possibility that more negative news will come out of the region." said Yuichi Kodama of Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance.

The are fears that a global economic slowdown may dent（削弱） demand for Japanese exports and impact growth.

Analysts said the central bank may be forced to ease its policies even further if that happened.

"I think there is still a 50% chance of additional easing by the BOJ this year." Mr Kodama added.