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.