May 15, 1998-- Ecuadorian Vice President Pedro Roberto Aguayo-Cubillo will be addressing leading corporate executives, heads of government, and governmental ministers from throughout the Asia-Pacific, at the 31st annual International General Meeting (IGM) of the Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC), which will be taking place May 25th-27th in Santiago, Chile. Mr. Aguayo will be sharing his thoughts on how business and government can work together to address the economic hardships created by El Nino, which has ravaged a number of countries in Latin America, and around the world.

 PBEC is an association of senior business leaders representing more than 1,200 major corporations in 20 economies around the Pacific. PBEC's International General Meeting is an opportunity for the region's foremost corporate executives to gather with other international leaders, to discuss, in a frank and intimate setting, the key issues in the regional economy, and to publicly issue policy recommendations and statements. The IGM typically includes major addresses given by heads of government, governmental ministers, leaders of prominent international organizations, and senior executives of some of the largest corporations in the region.

 This year's event features an especially impressive list of participants. The opening address will be given by Chilean President Eduardo Frei. Other prominent participants include Argentine Vice President Ruckauf, Peruvian Vice President Marquez, and U.S. Defense Secretary Cohen. Prominent participants from the private sector include Yoshihide Munekuni, the chairman of automotive giant Honda, and Gary L. Tooker, chairman of Motorola Inc., and chairman of PBEC. The World Bank and the UN will also be participating.

 The theme of the 31st IGM is "Pacific Prosperity: Sustaining Momentum into the 21st Century". Given the recent financial difficulties in the region, this year's IGM promises to be especially topical. The agenda will address all the key issues and challenges now confronting the region, including the role of the IMF, exchange rate fluctuations, corruption, reform of financial institutions, and tactics to prevent the next crisis. PBEC will also use the occasion of the IGM to present its first Business Excellence Award, to Akio Morita, founder of Sony. A full agenda and registration materials may be obtained through the contact information listed below.

 PBEC member corporations account for more than US$4.25 trillion in global sales and employ more than 10.9 million people. The unprecedented scope of PBEC's membership constitutes a broad and balanced reservoir of international business knowledge, unmatched in credibility and expertise. PBEC has recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, making it the Asia-Pacific's oldest and most senior regional trade organization. PBEC is the voice of business in the Pacific.