Message from Australia's Prime Minister John Howard

Message from Australia's Prime Minister 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.