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<title> CHAN TO DISCUSS REGIONAL ECONOMIC ISSUES IN THE PHILIPPINES </title>
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<p><font size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">April 3, 1998 No. 83</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2"> CHAN TO DISCUSS REGIONAL ECONOMIC ISSUES </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">IN THE PHILIPPINES </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Courier">Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan will visit the Philippines from
April 7 to 8 to discuss the impact of the current Asian economic crisis on the
Philippines and the region. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada and its Asian partners have a mutual interest in sustained regional
growth through increased trade, investment and economic co-operation," said Mr.
Chan. "Over the past few years, bilateral relations between Canada and the
Philippines have grown increasingly strong. By working in partnership with
countries affected by the economic crisis, such as the Philippines, we hope to
encourage the economic and social recovery of the region."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Chan will meet with the Acting Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Leonides T.
Caday, the Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning and Director General of the
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Cielito F. Habito, and the
President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mitsuo Sato. Several issues will
be discussed including the social impact of the Asian economic crisis on the
region and ways of integrating Canadian initiatives with ADB programs.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Chan's visit follows a trip to Pakistan from April 3 to 6, where he is
accompanying Governor General Romeo LeBlanc and leading a Canadian business
delegation. Mr. Chan also led a delegation to Indonesia from March 31 to April 1,
where he met with ministers and government officials to discuss that country's
current economic situation. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> - 30 - </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Hilary Humphrey</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1852</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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