“ASEAN is vital for the United States, both economically and politically. Many people do not realize that ASEAN is the third largest overseas market for US exports, surpassing China. Trade between US and ASEAN reached $169 billion in 2006 and the region hosts more than $80 billion of US direct investment,” said Matthew Daley, President of the US-ASEAN Business Council.

Joseph Snyder, Executive Director of the Asia Society Washington Center, noted that ”ASEAN has been a major force for stability, peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia for the last 40 years, and we are proud to help celebrate that remarkable record.”

Prime Minister Lee is scheduled to meet with President George W. Bush at the White House on Friday.

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The US-ASEAN Business Council and affiliates are dedicated to strengthening bilateral and US ASEAN relations and building strong economic and commercial ties. Members of the Council include Fortune 1000 companies in support of promoting trade, investment, and technology cooperation, advancing US ASEAN relations through strong participation in public-private partnerships, and committing to development and corporate social responsibility. The Council's members are represented in diverse industries, including aerospace, agribusiness, automobiles, computers and information technology, consumer goods, energy exploration and development, express delivery services, financial services, health care and pharmaceuticals, media & entertainment, mining, software, and telecommunications.

For information on the US-ASEAN Business Council or general information visit www.us-asean.org.