It is my pleasure to welcome all participants to this conference. I share this privilege
with Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono, without whose generous
support--and that of his staff--this conference could not have been held. I am delighted that
the conference has attracted key ministers and governors from this dynamic region, as well as
many other distinguished guests, all of whom have played an important role in the economic
success we will review at the conference.
I hope the conference will achieve at least two basic objectives: to assess the key lessons
from the region's remarkable record of high-quality growth over a long period; and, second,
to consider the conditions that will sustain this record.
The challenge of sustaining economic performance takes place against a fast-changing
international economic environment, involving the global integration of goods and capital
markets. The ASEAN countries have already begun to take considerable advantage of the
new opportunities afforded by these trends. For our part, the IMF has renewed its
commitment to strengthening its role, maintaining a supportive international environment,
and further improving the international monetary system.
Finally, let me wish all participants a stimulating time in Jakarta. I am confident that
this conference will produce many insights that will help chart the course for economic
policies into the 21st century.
Michel Camdessus Managing Director
International Monetary Fund
