Makuhari Messe nesr Tokyo (an international trade fair site) hosted the first economic ministerial conference Sept.28 of ASEM to promote closer ties between Asian and European countries.
"Market economy is not thoroughly functioning in some parts of Asia," said Prime Minister Hashimoto greeting the big party. "It is desired that basic standards such as application of the same rules to domestic and foreign industries prevail before too long."
"Once such problems are solved, big opportunities will open up for both Asians and Europeans," he added.