RUBIN REMARKS ON 1/20 MEETING WITH THAI FINANCE MINISTER

[USIA]

USIS Washington File

20 January 1998

TEXT: RUBIN REMARKS ON 1/20 MEETING WITH THAI FINANCE MINISTER

(U.S. seeks restoration of Thailand's financial strength) (240)

Washington -- "The United States has a strong interest in seeing
Thailand succeed in reestablishing financial stability and growth,"
Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin said in a January 20 statement after
meeting with Finance Minister Tarrin of Thailand.

"The United States has and will continue to support adequate financing
from the international financial institutions for the Thai reform
effort," Rubin said.

Following is the text of Rubin's statement:

(begin text)

STATEMENT BY TREASURY SECRETARY ROBERT E. RUBIN

I had a very good meeting today with Finance Minister Tarrin. The
Minister underscored Thailand's commitment to a comprehensive program
of reform, including steps to strengthen and restructure the financial
sector. The United States welcomes the strong efforts of Prime
Minister Chuan and his government to address the economic situation in
Thailand.

Minister Tarrin and I agreed that the focus of Thailand's efforts
should remain on the need to restore confidence through the strong
implementation of the policies it has agreed to in the context of the
IMF program. I told the Minister that the United States has and will
continue to support adequate financing from the international
financial institutions for the Thai reform effort.

The United States has a strong interest in seeing Thailand succeed in
reestablishing financial stability and growth.

(end text)