NEWSFLASH

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ASIAN TIGERS STARTING TO ROAR 
AGAIN

Canada, Feb. 15, 1998 - The Southeast Asian market is on the rebound. However, according to financial analysts, a month or two of rising markets does not mean the Asian Tigers are roaring in full resurrection.

The Philippines is one in the region that has remained steadfast through the course of the deep crisis. It was only a few months ago that the surging Asian economy plunged to a disastrous level.

Thailand, where the Asian crisis began in July, has seen its benchmark index skyrocket an astounding 55% since the start of 1998. South Korea's main index, which lost more than half its value last year is up a 40%.

In Tokyo, the worst performance in the 1990s, is up 20% since New Years. Even Indonesia has seen shares rebound, and Singapore's market is up 10%.

Jake Van Der Kamp, investment strategist for ABN Amro Asia in Hong Kong said that turning these economies around is going to be a long, slow haul.
(With files from AP)

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