Japan to send economic mission to crisis Asia

Japan to send economic mission to crisis Asia

TOKYO (AFP): Japan will send an economic mission to six Asian
countries in late August and early September to consider
additional support for the crisis-hit region, a daily said
Sunday.

The mission to be headed by Hiroshi Okuda, chairman of Japan
Federation of Employers Associations, will visit Indonesia,
Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, the
Asahi Shimbun said.

Okuda is also chairman of Japan's largest car maker Toyota
Motor Corp.

During the 10-day trip organized by Japan's foreign ministry,
the mission will hold talks with leaders, economic officials and
top businessmen of the six countries, the daily said.

The mission is aimed at monitoring the impact of Japan's
financial aid, including a package of assistance announced by
Japanese Finance Minister Kiichi Miyazawa, the newspaper said.

Following the planned trip, the mission will submit a proposal
on Japan's future support for the region to Prime Minister Keizo
Obuchi, it said.

Japan's financial aid to Asian countries has topped US$80
billion since the crisis struck in the region.