XN000022-1997-02-25 — Page 5

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Conference on financial integration in Asia

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the International Monetary Fund are jointly organising a conference on macroeconomic issues facing the Asian region with a particular focus on the role of Hong Kong.

The Conference on Financial Integration in Asia and the Role of Hong Kong to be held on March 7, 1997 will explore key aspects of regional economic and financial integration and the challenges and opportunities of growing regional integration for Hong Kong.

The Conference will be opened by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten and the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang will be the luncheon speaker. The Managing Director of the IMF, Mr Michel Camdessus, will give a keynote speech.

Other leading speakers include UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Kenneth Clarke; Governor Dai Xiangiong and Deputy Governor Chen Yuan of the People's Bank of China; Deputy Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim of Malaysia; Managing Director of Goldman, Sachs & Co., Mr. Gerald Corrigan; Governor of Bank of Korea, Mr K.S. Lee; Governor Soedradjad Djiwandono of Bank Indonesia; Governor Gabriel Singson of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Secretary for Financial Services, Mr Rafael Hui.

Chief Executive (Designate) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Tung Chee Hwa has also agreed to speak at the concluding session.

The Managing Director of IMF, Mr. Michel Camdessus said: "For the IMF to co-host this conference is an indication of the importance we attach to stability and growth in the region. We stand at an important moment in history: for Hong Kong and for Asia."

Chief Executive of Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Joseph Yam said: "We are very pleased that this conference will bring together top policymakers, leading central bankers and financial executives from Asia and beyond. We will be examining the implications of increasing integration of financial markets in Asia and the role of Hong Kong in the years to come."

Further information may be obtained from the Conference Secretariat at 2878 1457 or by fax at 2878 8260.

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