Given necessary economic structural reforms, Asia will once again be the "growth center" of the world in the 21st century, visiting Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi said in Bangkok on January 14.

At a press conference held in Bangkok on Friday, Obuchi said Japan will cooperate with Asian nations in their structural reforms especially in the areas of financing and human resources development.

He also stressed that after the financial crisis, Asian countries should take into consideration the social vulnerability and the protection of environment instead of the single-minded pursuit of economic growth.

He also praised the Thai economic situation which is improving faster than expected.

Obuchi pledged to convey to the world at the upcoming Group-of-Eight (G-8) summit in July the "bright and forceful" message that reflects adequately the interest of Asia.

During his visit to Cambodia, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said that measures addressing the disparity among Southeast Asian countries should be taken up.

In Laos, the second stop of Obuchi's current three-nation tour, Lao Prime Minister Sisavat Keobounphan considered the human resources development very important when responding to globalization, Obuchi said.

Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai called for more attention to developing countries in world economic forums like the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization to improve the welfare of all people in the world, Obuchi said.

The Japanese prime minister said that Japan will listen more to the developing countries and reflect their voices in the G-8 summit to be held in July in the southern Japanese island of Okinawa.

Obuchi also pledged to extend more financial help to Asian countries despite a heavy budget deficit at home.

The Japanese prime minister arrived in Bangkok Thursday for a three-day official visit to Thailand, which is widely seen by analysts as a demonstration of Japan's growing determination to seek a leadership role in Asia. (Xinhua)