Dismal scientists find Swiss optimism

A week of networking and deal-making for over 2,000 movers and shakers from the business and political world has kicked off here…

A week of networking and deal-making for over 2,000 movers and shakers from the business and political world has kicked off here, with the Asian crisis topping the agenda and calls on Japan to act.

The move to the euro looks set to be the other main focus of the annual World Economic Forum.

In this snow-covered resort, high in the Swiss Alps, German Chancellor, Dr Helmut Kohl officially opened the meeting last night, hitting a note of optimism that the Asian economies could sort out their problems.

With pressure growing on Japan to reflate its economy and boost the region, the senior Japanese minister, Mr Eisuke Sahakibara or "Mr Yen" will also be here to answer his government's critics.

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Much of the debate on the euro, meanwhile, is expected to focus on Italy, with some warning that to leave Italy out would risk turning it into the next country to face economic collapse.

Ireland's representation will be small, but will include Ms Mary Robinson in her capacity as UN High Commissioner of Human Rights and Mr Peter Sutherland the former attorney general and chairman of international investment group Goldman Sachs.