TOKYO: Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso expressed concerns about the economic impact of the novel coronavirus at a videoconference among top finance and monetary policymakers from the Group of 20 major economies on Monday.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Aso said he told his G-20 counterparts that he is "deeply concerned about the market and economic impact of the novel coronavirus."

Aso also said, "The G-20 countries should express their determination to act in a timely and thorough way."

At the videoconference among the G-20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said that solid corporate finances and well-functioning markets will reassure businesses and households.

The G-20 officials did not issue a joint statement at the videoconference.

In a statement issued early this month, the G-20 officials reiterated their commitment to "use all available policy tools to achieve strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth, and safeguard against downside risks."

The Group of Seven top industrial countries are considering holding a conference call among their finance ministers and central bankers this week, sources familiar with the matter said.

JIJI Press