Toshihiko Fukui: The euro-dollar regime and the role of the yen - their impact
on Asia
Speech by Mr Toshihiko Fukui, Governor of the Bank of Japan, at the 13th International Monetary
Symposium, "The euro: five years on - Implications for Asia", organised by the Institute for
International Monetary Affairs and the Delegation of the European Commission in Japan, Tokyo,
12 November 2004.
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1. The euro as a key currency
Let me begin today by reiterating that the birth of the euro in 1999 was an epoch making event. It was
an enormous task to say the least in the context of the international currency system. I remember the
endless discussions leading up to January 1999, asking if the euro could or should be launched at all.
There were even discussions on the potential breakup of the euro. The euro has come a long way
since then, and I am here speaking about an "euro-dollar regime." Today, we can discuss the euro's
potential to bring a sea change to the global financial architecture, without being criticized for
fantasizing. I should congratulate my colleagues at the European Central Bank for this significant
achievement.
The euro meets a number of criteria to function as a key currency alongside the dollar. First, the ECB
has succeeded in building up confidence as the guardian of the euro, maintaining price stability.
Second, the size of the euro area economy is equivalent to that of the United States. Third, there has
emerged a deep and liquid capital market in euro-denominated financial instruments.
In the past five years, the importance of the euro has increased considerably. I will let some numbers
speak for themselves. We can count more than 50 countries that link their currencies to the euro. More
foreign exchange reserves are held in euro: between end-1999 and end-2003, the share of the euro
increased from 14% to 20%. Furthermore, during the same period, the share of outstanding
euro-denominated bonds has increased to 30% from 20% in cross-border issues.
How would this emergence of the euro impact the global economy?
Looking at a currency's function as the vehicle of international transactions, it would be most rational
and economical if there were single global currency. There are obviously economies of scale and
network externalities. On the other hand, from the perspective of a store of value, it would be desirable
to diversify one's currency exposures.
Having said this, I would like to focus on the potential competition between currencies. The position as
a key currency is not easily threatened. Inertia here plays a large role. In such a situation, the
economy of the key currency is easily tempted to focus its economic policy on domestic
considerations. In today's globalized economy, this could lead to undesirable ripple effects on the rest
of the world, through the fluctuations of the external value of the key currency. If we have two
competing currencies, and the role of the key currency is contestable, competition between them could
lead to more attention to the external value of key currencies. This should have a positive effect on the
stability of the global financial system.
2. The role of the yen and its challenges
In this context, what kind of role can or should the yen perform?
I am a firm believer in the potential of the Japanese economy. Therefore, I believe that the yen can
and should play a larger role in the global market. Looking back, Japanese prices have been stable for
a long time. In addition, I can count a few more strengths: one of the largest pool of savings in the
world; strategic location in Asia - the center of global growth; and state-of-the-art IT technology. These
strengths must be funneled into the strengthening of the whole Japanese economy through
appropriate economic policies. This, in turn, would assure the place of the yen in the global economy.
What are such policies? The answer boils down to two factors: one is to support the private sector to
realize a vibrant economy and the other is to build efficient and liquid financial markets. In other words,
policies must support structural reforms. Reforms not only in the private sector but also in the public
sector are important. From the central bank's point of view, it is our responsibility to contribute to the
sustainable growth of the economy through the maintenance of price stability. We must also enhance
credibility through transparent formulation of policies. The central bank also has a role to play in
invigorating financial markets. We are redoubling our efforts as a key player in the market and as a
provider of market infrastructure.
Considering the deepening economic relations between Japan and the rest of Asia, Asia should
benefit if the use of the yen could be facilitated. The yen could become a viable alternative in both
fund management and fund raising. Asia's strong demand for capital and Japan's vast pool of savings
could be a win-win combination.
3. Asia's single currency - a dream or a vision?
If the yen could play a larger role in the global economy, does it mean that Asia would become an "yen
economic area?" More generally, could there emerge a currency that becomes an anchor in the
region? Furthermore, could we see a common currency area in Asia?
For the near future, you would agree that this is quite unlikely. Economic structures of Asian
economies are not only diverse but also ever-changing. Against this background, foreign exchange
regimes vary greatly.
Without a convergence of economic conditions, it would be most inappropriate to lose flexibility
through the adoption of an artificial framework, be it a currency peg or a single currency. Such an
adventure could lead to an accumulation of imbalances within the system. Looking back on Japan's
experience, such imbalances would always be corrected with a vengeance. This is a lesson that we
should never forget.
Even if we concur that currency integration in Asia is probably a dream in the short term, could it be a
vision in the medium to long term? In Europe, it took about 50 years before the euro was introduced.
My Chinese friends often tell me that 50 years is just a blink of the eye in their four-thousand-year
history. Nevertheless, in this rapidly changing global economy, Asia could have a single currency
50 years from now.
If this vision is to be realized, economies of the region must pass a few tests.
First, we need to see further deepening of Asian countries' mutual dependence through division of
labor. In this process, Asia would become more important in the global economy.
Second, we need the development of vibrant financial markets, capital markets in particular, in yen
and other Asian currencies. In this context, liberalization of cross-border capital flows within the region
is a key element.
Last but not least, we need to build both domestic and global confidence towards economic policies of
Asian economies.
Already, I see encouraging developments in this direction. With regard to the first point, we are seeing
a significant strengthening of economic linkages between Asian economies through trade and direct
investment. For example, Asia's share in Japan's trade increased to around 45% in 2003 from around
30% in the first half of the 1990's. For the second point, cooperative efforts to develop regional
financial markets are beginning to bear fruits. An example is the Asian Bond Fund II project, being
developed by the 11 central banks of EMEAP economies, where EMEAP central banks will jointly
invest in local currency denominated funds. As regards the third point, central banks in the region are
now firmly focused on price stability and there is considerable progress in financial system reforms in
each economy.
These encouraging signals are, if anything, rather endogenous and market driven in their nature.
Yet, if we are to seriously explore the possibility of a single Asian currency, strong political will is going
to be essential at some stage.
This is because, if the Asian economies are to achieve convergence at a high level, rather painful
reforms are indispensable. This is obvious if we look how difficult it is in Europe to comply with the
Stability and Growth pact.
The introduction of a single currency by itself does not solve problems in each economy. Neither does
it yield economic growth. The full potential of a common currency can only be realized in so far as
respective economies tackle structural problems in the process of achieving a monetary union.
Asian economies would experience significant dislocations if they were to form a monetary union
without disciplined economic policies. In this context, we are paying attention to see if Europe could
succeed in advancing structural reform and achieve stronger growth by exploiting the heightened
economic potential brought about by the introduction of the euro.
Before I finish, I would like to emphasize that Asian integration would probably be soft-structured.
Each Asian economy should endeavor to increase the attractiveness of their economy and currency
for the time being. Initially, this would mean additional flexibility. We can then share our experiences.
At the same time, we should ensure that cultural diversities in the region would be translated into
creative energy, and not clashes of culture. Only then would we realize stable regional currencies, and
the dream of a single currency would become a vision.
Thank you very much for your attention.