Philippines urges Japan to take up e-commerce at G-8 summit

Asian Economic News, June 12, 2000

TOKYO, June 7 Kyodo

The Philippines urged Japan on Wednesday to take up e-commerce as part of discussions on information technology when the Group of Eight (G-8) nations meet for a summit in Okinawa next month, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon made the request to Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono in a one-hour meeting at a Tokyo restaurant, the ministry said in a statement.

Siazon, who is in Tokyo to attend Thursday's funeral of former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, told Kono it is important that common legal measures are established concerning e-commerce, including those on tax and privacy, the statement said.

Siazon was responding to Kono's request to outline Manila's views on the topics for the summit, particularly on information technology, a key issue in the July 21-23 summit.

Siazon agreed that it is important to take up the issue of "digital divide," or the gap between countries that have technology and those that do not, in the discussions on information technology.

Kono and Siazon also agreed that development of human resources is important for East Timor, which is currently under U.N. administration and making a gradual transition toward independence, the statement said.

Siazon told Kono that East Timor needs continued support from the international community, including Australia and Japan, according to the statement.

East Timor's independence is expected to be established within the next two years.