Asia Pacific Resources Announces Annual Meeting Date And Updates Shareholders.

Business Editors

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 24, 2003

Asia Pacific Resources, Ltd. (OTCBB:APQCF)(TSX:APQ)(FRANKFURT:APQ), has announced that its Annual General Meeting will be held in Vancouver, Canada, on June 16, 2003, at 10:30 A.M. (PT) at:

595 Howe Street - 10th Floor

Vancouver, British Columbia

"Asia Pacific's management team is looking forward to meeting with shareholders and discussing the substantial progress we have made," said John Bovard, President and CEO.

The Company also announced that it expects to mail its Annual Report for 2002 to shareholders in early May.

"As reported, the Environmental Impact Assessment has been submitted and approved and correctly addresses all the matters required under Thai law," said Mr. Bovard. "The next step for the Company is the submission, in the next few weeks, of the formal Application for the Mining Lease. The AGM will provide us with an opportunity to discuss the Annual Report, the Mining Lease Application, and our plans for the future.

"Following the submission of the Mining Lease Application, there is a structured process under Thai law, likely involving public hearings, that leads to the review and potential approval of the Application. The Mining Lease will reflect the Company's application and input received during the review process.

"The review process will also allow Asia Pacific to demonstrate how our potash mining project, using best practices adopted from successful mining operations internationally, will maintain high environmental standards," said John Bovard. "Concerns have been expressed about the potential for disturbance from subsidence and tailings storage. Using modern techniques for underground mining and for storage of tailings on surface and underground, it will be possible for the mine to provide very significant benefits to Thailand while having the minimum impact on nearby farms, towns and infrastructure."

The benefits to the economy of Thailand and to local communities include long term jobs, royalties and taxes, and improved infrastructure. The Udon Mine will also allow the Government of Thailand to improve the country's balance of trade and to underscore its interest in attracting investment from abroad for the benefit of Thai citizens.

For more information on the Udon South Mine project and the environment, visit Asia Pacific's website at www.apq-potash.com and click on "Environmental Studies Update"

Asia Pacific Resources Ltd. holds a 90% beneficial interest in Asia Pacific Potash Corporation, the company holding the Concession covering the Udon South deposit. The remaining 10% interest in APPC is held by the government of Thailand. Asia Pacific Resources' shares are traded on the TSX as well as the Frankfurt and Stuttgart Stock Exchanges under the symbol APQ and on the OTCBB under the symbol APQCF.