At their meeting later this week, finance officials of Group of Seven leading industrial nations will discuss the possible impact on the global economy from bird flu spreading in Asia, the Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun reported on its web site on Monday.

The epidemic has shown signs of spreading all across Asia, with some countries banning imports of chicken meat from infected areas and the tourism industry starting to be affected in other countries.

Concerned that the disease might become a downside risk to the Asian economies, like the severe acute respiratory syndrome last year, the G7 ministers have decided to assess the current conditions of the disease and its possible economic impact in the near term, the daily said.

The G7 meeting will take place in Boca Raton, Fla., on Friday and Saturday.

Close

Today's Top News		Top Business News
+WHO: Bird flu death rises to 15; vaccination recommended ( 2004-02-05) +Solana: EU ready to lift China arms embargo ( 2004-02-05) +Nation tops TV, cell phone, monitor production ( 2004-02-05) +Absence ... still makes China hot ( 2004-02-05) +Hu: Developing world in key role ( 2004-02-04)		+KFC: We operate normally in China despite bird flu outbreaks ( 2004-02-05) +Starbucks takes aim at China chain ( 2004-02-05) +Former Microsoft China chief gets new job ( 2004-02-05) +Private airline prepared for take off ( 2004-02-05) +Investors lured by call of siren ( 2004-02-05)