ADB to meet on EAGA

ADB to meet on EAGA

MANILA (UPI): The Asian Development Bank yesterday announced
it would sponsor a conference in Manila aimed at finalizing a
year-long study on the potentials of the Brunei-Indonesia-
Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (EAGA).

The Manila-based bank said the three-day meet beginning March
13, to be keynoted by President Fidel Ramos, is the conclusion of
a study to develop a strategic plan to promote economic
cooperation and development in the quadrangle.

The conference will be attended by senior government trade
officials from the four countries, private sector representatives
and a team of international business consultants, the ADB said.

ADB said the meet will review a revised draft report that
consists of conclusive findings on strategic frameworks, country
profiles and sectoral studies.

The study on the growth quadrangle identifies a wide range of
policy, programs and project initiatives in agriculture, fishing
and forestry, trade and investment, financial services, transport
and communication, power and energy, tourism and human resource
development.

The study, launched last year, is being financed by ADB
through a d1.8-million technical assistance grant and a
US$400,000 from Brunei. Preliminary meetings were held in May,
August and October.