EU to make Bangkok its gateway to the East

IT'S DIFFICULT enough to get the 15 European Union heads of government together in one room in Europe, let alone in Bangkok. Nevertheless, on March 1st and 2nd they will gather there, with the leaders of the seven ASEAN countries (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), as well as representatives of Japan, South Korea and China, to put the EU's relationship with Asia on a new footing.

It's been the season for putting external relations on a new footing - the US, the Mediterranean and the Latin American Mercosur all had: their own EU initiatives before Christmas, but none were graced with such a formidable line up of leaders as the Bangkok meeting. The purpose, EU officials say, is to give proper recognition to the economic and increasing political importance of the region and to dispel fears of a "Fortress Europe".

By the end of 2000, the World Bank estimates, half the growth in the global economy will come from eastern and southern Asia. Malaysia, where Ireland has just established an embassy, has had economic growth of eight per cent a year for the last five years and it is now exporting almost twice as much to Ireland as it is importing. One billion Asians will by the end of the decade have significant spending power and, of these, 400 million will have average disposable incomes at least as great as those of their European and US contemporaries.

It is not surprising, therefore, that politicians in Europe - most recently, the British Labour party leader, Mr Tony Blair - have been looking to the lessons of the "tiger" economies of the region for inspiration.

In 1994 EU trade with the countries of east, south and south east Asia exceeded trade with North and South America combined, with Asia as a whole representing almost a quarter of all EU external commerce.

But it's not all good news - the EU share of exports to Asia has more than doubled in the last 10 years but, while exports to Asian markets are growing in volume terms, market share is declining.

The emphasis in Bangkok will be on informality, a get to know you gathering without set piece speeches or cumbersome follow up mechanisms.

There is hope that co operation on global trade issues through the World Trade Organisation (WTO) may see the emergence of a new alliance to push forward liberalisation. EU officials warn of US reluctance to take the lead and point to the EU Asian alliance that made possible the autumn's deal on financial services.

The EU believes the growing regional co operation of the Asian Pacific states will contribute to stability and greater understanding of interdependence in trade. This in turn should encourage open market policies.

THE EU is hoping for a clear commitment to multilateralism in trade and stresses the importance of December's Singapore WTO ministerial meeting. It will encourage harmonisation on such issues as investment rules, access to telecommunication markets and international standards.

The emphasis will be, EU officials say, on areas of agreement but there will be some debate on human rights, with China in particular facing criticism over recent reports of abuses, notably the plight of children in orphanages. Portugal and Ireland may also wish to see the East Timor issue raised with the Indonesians.

Officials hope, however, that the format of the meeting may allay the concerns of the Asian countries that the west is using human rights and talk of possible WTO minimum labour standards as a form of protectionism,

Political dialogue will also include issues such as reform of the UN, conflict management, non proliferation of nuclear weapons and nuclear security. The summit may decide on an initiative on mine clearance in Cambodia and there is likely to be a commitment to co operation on environmental issues, training and cultural exchanges. Development policy will also feature, with the EU spending more in aid in Asia than either the US or Japan.

Ireland will be represented by the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, and probably the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Spring.