Message from Australian PM John Howard

Message from Australian PM John Howard

My planned trip to Japan and Indonesia from Aug. 7 was
recently and regrettably canceled for family reasons.

My wife, Janette, was admitted to a Sydney hospital late last
month for a major operation and I wished to spend as much time as
possible with her.

Arrangements are already in place to find alternative dates
for me to visit both Indonesia and Japan.

Japan is our largest trading partner and the Australian
Government recognizes the potential for further growth of our
trade links with our closest neighbor, Indonesia.

Many of our firms have already recognized this potential and
are leading the way through the export of Australian know-how and
enterprise.

There is keen competition for larger slices of these expanding
markets and Australian firms which have pioneered the way,
already know how tough the international competition can get.

Despite being a relatively small nation in terms of
population, we recently proved ourselves hot competitors in the
international sporting arena.

I have every confidence that Australian entrepreneurs also
will continue to show that same grit, determination and
enterprise to make an increasing mark in Asia.