TNAG-1635-FCO40-2251-Overseas-visits-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-1988 — Page 10

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to solution.

Take stock of progress to date [this will depend to a

large extent on developments by Easter]. Need to look for concrete results and to maintain dialogue. [It may be possible to work in

the UK role if the proposal to hold an International Conference has

progressed]. Outline of discussions in Moscow with Shevardnadze.

- Problem of refugees.

Need for Vietnam to co-operate. Burden on

region and on Hong Kong. ASEAN and resettlement countries must

work together in search for durable solutions.

2. Social

- Success of region in achieving controlled population growth linked to economic growth and development. Example of effective birth control in Indonesia (even use of shadow-puppets to convey message

at village level).

Malaysia giving thought to appropriate increased population level to encourage economic development and produce larger internal

market.

-

Singaporean policy of maintaining labour supply to meet demands of rapid economic growth.

Achievement of China but population growth pressures again

developing. Implications for region.

-

Population growth must be matched to food supplies, i.e. agricultural improvement or wealth creation to import food.

for diversification and flexibility.

advice in this field.

Need

UK expertise in providing

-

Importance of education in predominantly young societies. role, eg in provision of ELT.

UK

- ASEAN's Cultural diversity, growing international awareness eg

Thai, Indonesian cultural events in UK.

PH2AIK