EGM Statement

To: Stock Exchange For immediate release
                                        
                   5 July 2002          
                                        

         

                                                                               

              MARTIN CURRIE HIGH INCOME TRUST plc ('the Company')              

                         Extraordinary General Meeting                         

               Pursuant to Section 142 of the Companies Act 1985               

The Company had at 3 July 2002 net assets amounting to less than half of its
called-up share capital.  Therefore the Directors are obliged, under s142 of
the Companies Act 1985, to convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of
the Company to consider what steps, if any, should be taken to deal with this
situation.

Accordingly, an EGM of the Company will be convened on 23 August 2002 at
10.00am, and a Notice of EGM will be despatched to shareholders shortly.

                                   - ends -                                    

                                                                               

For further information, please contact:

 

Mike Woodward                                        
                                                     
Martin Currie Investment Management Ltd 0131 229 5252
                                                     
[e-mail]