ASIAN COUNTRIES MUST WORK TOGETHER IN LIGHT OF FINANCIAL CRISIS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Japan believes it is important for Asian
countries to share concrete policy directions and take united actions at the
East Asia Summit and Asean-Plus-3 Summit meetings in light of the global
financial crisis.

Special Envoys of the Prime Minister of Japan Masakazu Toyoda and
Ambassador
(Asean) Yoshinori Katori, said in a press release that Asian countries needed to
cooperate and strengthen regional growth potentials and expand domestic
demand.

The envoys, who were on a visit here, met with Second Finance Minister Nor
Mohamed Yakcop and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department
SK Devamany Thursday, to discuss appropriate policies to promote Asia's
economic growth and development.

According to the release, Nor Mohamed supported Japan's views, especially
on
strengthening the growth potential, expansion of domestic demand and the
importance of mobilising funds in promoting infrastructure development.

During the discussion, Devamany said Malaysia was already taking measures
to
strengthen growth potential and expand domestic demand.

Devamany also expressed interest to cooperate on regional development,
particularly on domestic sub-regional projects or in conjunction with
neighbouring countries.

-- BERNAMA