Kissinger to address Asian bankers meeting

JAKARTA (JP): Henry Kissinger, a former U.S. secretary of state, and a number of ministers will address the 11th general meeting and seminar of the Asian Bankers Association here next week.

The Association's chairman, Mochtar Riady of the Lippo Banking Group, said yesterday that Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad is expected to open the two-day meeting at the Shangri-La hotel next Monday, Nov. 7.

He said the meeting's theme will be: "Global Economic Transformation: Impact on Asian Financial Markets".

Its speakers will include State Minister for Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita, Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono and Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave.

Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans is expected to address the meeting's gala dinner on Monday evening, while the Deputy Superintendent of Banks of the State of California, David Scott, will discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement and its implications for the Asian banking community earlier on the day.

Mochtar said the Association's new officers will be inaugurated on the second day of the meeting.

The Asian Bankers Association, established in 1981, groups 180 banks from 14 Asia-Pacific countries and seven banks from other nations. Its membership is open to banks and financial institutions operating in Asia and Australia, while participation in its annual seminars is also open to institutions which have interests in Asian businesses.(riz)