Special Video Message — PBEC 2001 Japan IGM
Keizo Obuchi (Translation)
Prime Minister
Japan
I would like to say a few words to you on the occasion of the 33rd International General Meeting of the Pacific Basin Economic Council.
Founded in 1967, for more than thirty years PBEC has been contributing to the development of the Asia-Pacific region with a wide range of activities to liberalize trade and investment and promote personal and cultural interaction in this part of the world.
Recently, our economies are becoming more global and information technology is spreading at an explosive rate. These developments are strengthening the mutual interdependence among members of the Asia-Pacific region, and within this context, the region is poised for new growth as the effects of the Asian economic crisis subside.
There are great expectations that have been placed on PBEC as the largest private business organization within the region. You have much to do in building a unified and truly affluent Asia-Pacific community. I look forward to seeing new momentum and expansion in your activities.
Japan, assuming the G8 Presidency, will be hosting the Kyushu-Okinawa Summit Meeting this July. We see this as an opportunity to convey a bright and strong message so that each and every individual in the world can be confident that the twenty-first century will be a happier era for the mankind and the Earth than ever before.
The summit will discuss issues related to the information technology revolution that will drive future economic growth, development issues including how to integrate developing countries into the globalized economy and society, problems such as AIDS and other infectious diseases, and issues related to cultural diversity. I encourage PBEC to also engage in active discussion of these issues.
Next year in 2001, Tokyo will host the 34th IGM. We invite you to come to Japan to enjoy the cherry blossoms and the new buds of spring. Wince it is the best season of the year, I encourage you to take the opportunity to experience the beautiful natural environment and various cultures of Japan.
Thank you.