RI envoy visits Australia

RI envoy visits Australia

CANBERRA (AFP): Indonesian President B.J. Habibie will send a special business envoy to Australia next week in an attempt to lift confidence in his country's economy.

James T. Riady, one of seven business envoys appointed by Habibie to try to regain the confidence of the international business community, will arrive in Australia on Sunday.

He will meet Prime Minister John Howard, Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett and New South Wales Treasurer Michael Egan during his five-day stay.

Embassy officials said Friday that with Indonesia's economy shows signs of stabilizing, it hoped Riady could have frank discussions with Australian businessmen and corporate leaders.

He will also speak at seminars sponsored by Australia's overseas trade development agency Austrade and a lunch organized by Australian Business in Sydney.