UK minister due here today

JAKARTA (JP): British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown is expected to arrive here today for a one-day visit.

Brown, who is also the chairman of the Group of Seven (G-7) finance ministers and of the European Union's Economic and Finance Council, is expected to call on President Soeharto and meet with Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita and Minister of Finance Fuad Bawazier.

According to the British Embassy, Brown will express his support for Indonesia's progress on the International Monetary Fund-backed reform programs and emphasize the importance of their continued full implementation.

The British finance minister will also discuss possible technical assistance in support of the reforms as well as trade financing. (gis)