By 1990 Japan's interaction with the vast majority of Asia-Pacific countries, especially its burgeoning economic exchanges, was multifaceted and increasingly important to the recipient countries.

In women's rights, Vietnam ranks 2nd among Asia-Pacific countries and 9th among 135 countries in percentage of Female Parliamentarians.

On Saturday, trade ministers of 21 Asia-Pacific countries called for a new push to reach an accord by July.

Many of the worst-performing international stock funds specialize in companies in Japan and other Asia-Pacific countries.

The economic growth in Asia-Pacific countries, such as China and India, looks set to continue to bolster figures for luxury brands across the board.

One of Asia's largest food-and-beverage companies, the San Miguel Corporation, will invest $700 million in China and other Asia-Pacific countries, its chief executive, Eduardo Cojuangco, said.

Mr. Hosokawa acknowledged he had received a letter and that the two leaders would discuss taxes at a gathering of the leaders of Asia-Pacific countries.

Hawaiian Airlines serves destinations in several Asia-Pacific countries and territories.

As in many Asia-Pacific countries such as the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Japan, standardised tests are a common feature.

The forum groups together the 10 members of the association, or Asean, and 13 other Asia-Pacific countries and the European Union.