SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
                PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                         (Amendment No. ______________)


Filed by the Registrant    /X/
Filed by a party other than the Registrant   / /

Check the appropriate box:
/ /  Preliminary proxy statement
/ /  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
     Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/X/  Definitive proxy statement
/ /  Definitive additional materials
/ /  Soliciting material pursuant to Sec. 240.14a-12


                         TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND
                ------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)


Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):

/X/  No fee required.

/ /  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)(1) and 0-11.

(1)  Title of each class of securities to which transactions applies:

(2)  Aggregate number of securities to which transactions applies:

(3)  Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
     to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
     calculated and state how it was determined):

(4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

(5)  Total fee paid:

/ /  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ /  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
     Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
     was paid previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration
     statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1)  Amount previously paid:

(2)  Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

(3)  Filing party:

(4)  Date filed:





[LOGO]
FRANKLIN/R/ TEMPLETON/R/
INVESTMENTS

                        TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND

                       IMPORTANT SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

   These materials are for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for
February 27, 200425, 2005 at 10:00 a.m.12 Noon Eastern time. The enclosed materials discuss the
proposal (the "Proposal") to be voted on at the meeting, and contain the Notice
of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card. A proxy card is, in essence, a
ballot. When you vote your proxy, it tells us how you wish to vote on important
issues relating to Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (the "Fund"). If you specify
a vote foron the Proposal, your proxy will be voted as you indicate. If you simply
sign and date the proxy card, but do not specify a vote foron the Proposal, your
proxy will be voted FOR the Proposal.

   We urge you to spend a few minutes reviewing the Proposal in the proxy
statement. Then, please fill out and sign the proxy card and return it to us so
that we know how you would like to vote. When shareholders return their proxies
promptly, the Fund may be able to save money by not having to conduct
additional mailings.

   We welcome your comments. If you have any questions, call Fund Information
at 1-800/DIAL BEN(R) (1-800-342-5236).

                         TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING

  For your convenience, you may be able to vote by telephone or through the
  Internet, 24 hours a day. If your account is eligible, a control number and
  separate instructions
  are enclosed.

[LOGO]
FRANKLIN/R/ TEMPLETON/R/
INVESTMENTS

                        TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND

                 NOTICE OF 20042005 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

   The Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") of Templeton Emerging
Markets Fund (the "Fund") will be held at the Fund's offices, 500 East Broward
Boulevard, 12th Floor, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091 on February 27, 200425, 2005
at 10:00 a.m.12 Noon, Eastern time.

   During the Meeting, shareholders of the Fund will vote on the following
Proposal:

        . The election of four Trustees of the Fund to hold office for the
          terms specified.

                                          By Order of the Board of Trustees,

                                          Barbara J. GreenRobert C. Rosselot
                                          Secretary

January 20, 200418, 2005


  Many shareholders hold shares in more than one Templeton fund and will
  receive proxy material for each fund owned. Please sign and promptly return
  each proxy card in the self-addressed envelope regardless of the number of
  shares you own.

                        TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND

                                PROXY STATEMENT

..INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING

  Who is asking for my vote?

   The Trustees of Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (the "Fund"), in connection
with the Fund's Annual Meeting of Shareholders, have requested your vote.

  Who is eligible to vote?

   Shareholders of record at the close of business on January 2,December 30, 2004 are
entitled to be present and to vote at the Meeting or any adjourned Meeting.
Each share of record is entitled to one vote (and a proportionate fractional
vote for each fractional share) on each matter presented at the Meeting. The
Notice of Meeting, the proxy card, and the proxy statement were first mailed to
shareholders of record on or about January 20, 2004.18, 2005.

  On what issue am I being asked to vote?

   You are being asked to vote on the election of four nominees to the position
of Trustee.

  How do the Fund's Trustees recommend that I vote?

   The Trustees unanimously recommend that you vote FOR the election of the
four nominees.

  How do I ensure that my vote is accurately recorded?

   You may attend the Meeting and vote in person or you may complete and return
the enclosed proxy card. If you are eligible to vote by telephone or through
the Internet, a control number and separate instructions are enclosed.

   Proxy cards that are properly signed, dated and received at or prior to the
Meeting will be voted as specified. If you specify a vote foron the Proposal, your
proxy will be voted as you indicate. If you simply sign, date and return the
proxy card, but do not specify a vote foron the Proposal, your shares will be
voted FOR the election of all nominees foras Trustee.

  May I revoke my proxy?

   You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by forwarding a
written revocation or a later-dated proxy to the Fund that is received at or
prior to the Meeting, or by attending the Meeting and voting in person.

  What if my shares are held in a brokerage account?

   If your shares are held by your broker, then in order to vote in person at
the Meeting, you will need to obtain a "Legal Proxy" from your broker and
present it to the Inspector of Election at the Meeting.

..THE PROPOSAL:  ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

  How are nominees selected?

   The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the "Board" or the "Trustees") has a
Nominating Committee (the "Committee") consisting of Edith E. Holiday (Chairman), Frank J.
Crothers Edith
E. Holiday and Gordon S. Macklin, none of whom is an "interested person" as
defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund are referred to as the
"Independent Trustees"Trustees," and Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund are
referred to as the "Interested Trustees."

   The Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting candidates to serve as
Trustees and recommending such candidates (a) for selection and nomination as
Independent Trustees by the incumbent Independent Trustees and the full Board;
and (b) for selection and nomination as Interested Trustees by the full Board.
In considering a candidate's qualifications, the Nominating Committee generally
considers the potential candidate's educational background, business or
professional experience, and reputation. In addition, the Nominating Committee
has established as minimum qualifications for Board membership as an
Independent Trustee:Trustee (1) that such candidate be independent from relationships
with the Fund's investment manager and other principal service providers both
within the terms and the spirit of the statutory independence requirements
specified under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, (2) that such candidate
demonstrate an ability and willingness to make the considerable time
commitment, including personal attendance at Board meetings, believed necessary
to his or her function as an effective Board member, and (3) that such
candidate have no continuing relationship as a director, officer or board
member of any mutual fundinvestment company other than those within the Franklin Templeton
Investments fund complex.

   When the Board has or expects to have a vacancy, the Nominating Committee
receives and reviews information on individuals qualified to be recommended to
the full Board as nominees for election as Trustees, including any
recommendations by shareholders."Qualifying Fund Shareholders" (as defined below). Such
individuals are evaluated based upon the criteria described above. To date, the
Nominating Committee has been able to identify, and expects to continue to be
able to identify, from its own resources an ample number of qualified
candidates. The Nominating Committee, however, will review shareholders'
recommendations from
Qualifying Fund Shareholders to fill vacancies on the Board if these
recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Nominating
Committee at the Fund's offices.offices and are presented with appropriate background
material concerning the candidate that demonstrates his or her ability to serve
as a Trustee, including as an Independent Trustee, of the Fund. A Qualifying
Fund Shareholder is a shareholder who (i) has continuously owned of record, or
beneficially through a financial intermediary, shares of the Fund having a net
asset value of not less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000)
during the twenty-four month period prior to submitting the recommendation; and
(ii) provides a written notice to the Nominating Committee containing the
following information: (a) the name and address of the Qualifying Fund
Shareholder making the recommendation; (b) the number of shares of the Fund
which are owned of record and beneficially by such Qualifying Fund Shareholder
and the length of time that such shares have been so owned by the Qualifying
Fund Shareholder; (c) a description of all arrangements and understandings
between such Qualifying Fund Shareholder and any other person or persons
(naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the recommendation is being
made; (d) the name, age, date of birth, business address and residence address
of the person or persons being recommended; (e) such other information
regarding each person recommended by such Qualifying Fund Shareholder as would
be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy
rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") had the nominee
been nominated by the Board; (f) whether the shareholder making the
recommendation believes

                                      2

the person recommended would or would not be an "interested person" of the
Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act; and (g) the written consent of each person
recommended to serve as a Trustee of the Fund if so nominated and
elected/appointed.

   The Nominating Committee may amend these procedures from time to time,
including the procedures relating to the evaluation of nominees and the process
for submitting recommendations to the Nominating Committee.

   The Board has adopted and approved a formal written charter for the
Nominating Committee. A copy of the charter is attached as Exhibit A to this
proxy statement.

  Who are the nominees and Trustees?

   The Board is divided into three classes. Each class has a term of three
years. Each year the term of office of one class expires. This year, the terms
of four Trustees expire. HarmonHarris J. Ashton, Frank J. Crothers, S. Joseph
Fortunato and Edith E. Burns, Charles B. Johnson, Frank A. Olson
and Constantine D. TseretopoulosHoliday have been nominated for three-year terms, set to
expire at the 20072008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. These terms continue,
however, until successors are duly elected and qualified. Among these Trustees,
Harmon E. Burns and Charles B. Johnson are each deemed to be an "interested
person" for purposes of the 1940 Act. All of the nominees
are currently members of the Board; however, Mr. Olson is standing for election by shareholders of
the Fund for the first time. An incumbentBoard and are considered Independent Trustee recommended Mr.
Olson for consideration by the Committee as a nominee for Trustee.Trustees. In
addition, all of the current nominees and Trustees are also directors or
trustees of other Franklin(R) funds and/or Templeton(R) funds.

   Certain Trustees of the Fund hold director and/or officer positions with
Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Resources") and its affiliates. Resources is a
publicly owned holding company, the principal shareholders of which are Charles
B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., who owned approximately 18.14%18.12% and
15.47%15.16%,

                                      2 respectively, of its outstanding shares as of August 31, 2003.2004.
Resources, a global investment management organization operating as Franklin
Templeton Investments, is primarily engaged, through various subsidiaries, in
providing investment management, share distribution, transfer agent and
administrative services to a family of investment companies. Resources is a New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE") listed holding company (NYSE: BEN). Charles
B. Johnson, Chairman of the Board, Trustee and Vice President of the Fund, and
Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., Vice President of the Fund, are brothers. There are no
family relationships among any of the Trustees or nominees for Trustee.

   Each nominee currently is available and has consented to serve if elected.
If any of the nominees should become unavailable, the designated proxy holders
will vote in their discretion for another person or persons who may be
nominated as Trustees.

   Listed below, for the nominees and Trustees, are their names, ages and
addresses, as well as their positions and length of service with the Fund,
principal occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in
the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex that they oversee, and any
other directorships held by the nominee or Trustee.

                                      3

Nominees for Independent Trustee to serve until 20072008 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders:

Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Time Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank A. Olson (71)Harris J. Ashton (72) Trustee Since 2003 201992 142 Director, Becton, DickinsonBar-S Foods 500 East Broward Blvd. and Co. (medical technology);(meat packing company). Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director of various companies; and formerly, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998). - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank J. Crothers (60) Trustee Since 1999 21 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chairman, Island Corporate Holdings Ltd.; Director and Vice Chairman, Caribbean Utilities Co. Ltd.; Director, Provo Power Company Ltd.; director of various other business and nonprofit organizations; and formerly, Chairman, Atlantic Equipment & Power Ltd. (1977-2003). - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S. Joseph Fortunato (72) Trustee Since 1992 143 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Attorney; and formerly, member of the law firm of Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edith E. Holiday (52) Trustee Since 1996 98 Director, Amerada Hess 500 East Broward Blvd. Corporation (exploration and Suite 2100 refining of oil and gas); H.J. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products); RTI International Metals, Inc. (manufacture and distribution of titanium); Canadian National Railway (railroad); and White Mountains Insurance Fort Lauderdale, FL Group, Ltd. (holding company). Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and formerly, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-1993); 33394-3091General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989-1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Liaison- United States Treasury Department (1988-1989). - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Independent Trustees serving until 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank A. Olson (72) Trustee Since 2003 21 Director, White Mountains 500 East Broward Blvd. Insurance Group Ltd. (holding Suite 2100 company), Amerada Hess Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Corporation (exploration and refining of oil and gas) and Sentient Jet (private jet service); and formerly, Director, Becton Dickinson and Co. (medical technology), Cooper Industries (electrical products and tools and hardware), Health Net (formerly Foundation Health), The Hertz Corporation, Pacific Southwest Airlines, The RCA Corporation, Unicom (formerly Commonwealth Edison) and UAL Corporation (airlines). Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chairman of the Board,Emeritus, The Hertz Corporation (car rental) (since 1980) (Chief2000) (Chairman of the Board (1980-2000) and Chief Executive Officer 1977-1999)(1977-1999)); and formerly, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, UAL Corporation (airlines). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Constantine D. Tseretopoulos (49)(50) Trustee Since 1999 2021 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Physician, Lyford Cay Hospital (1987-present); and director of various nonprofit organizations; and formerly, Cardiology Fellow, University of Maryland (1985-1987) and Internal Medicine Resident, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (1982-1985). - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35 Nominees for
Interested Trustee to serveTrustees serving until 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Harmon E. Burns (58)(59) Trustee Trustee since 3836 None One Franklin Parkway and since San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Vice 1992 and San Mateo, CA President Vice President 94403-1906 since 1996 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice Chairman, Member--Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Director, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Director, Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 4948 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Charles B. Johnson (70)(71) Chairman Chairman of 142 None One Franklin Parkway of the of the Board and San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Board, Board and Trustee since 94403-1906 Trustee 1995 and and Vice since 1995 President and Vice President President since 1992 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chairman of the Board, Member--Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; Director, Fiduciary Trust Company International; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Independent Trustees serving until 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Betty P. Krahmer (74) Trustee Since 1990 21 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director or Trustee of various civic associations; and formerly, Economic Analyst, U.S. government. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4
Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gordon S. Macklin (75)(76) Trustee Since 1993 142 Director, White Mountains Insurance 500 East Broward Blvd. Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding Suite 2100 company); Martek Suite 2100 Biosciences Corporation; MedImmune, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Corporation; MedImmune, Inc. (biotechnology); and Overstock.com 33394-3091 (Internet services); and Spacehab, Inc. (aerospace services); and formerly, Director, MCI Communication Corporation (subsequently known as MCI WorldCom, Inc. and WorldCom, Inc.) (communications(communication services) (1988-2002) and Spacehab, Inc. (aerospace services) (1994-2003). Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Deputy Chairman, White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company); and formerly, Chairman, White River Corporation (financial services) (1993-1998) and Hambrecht & Quist Group (investment banking) (1987- 1992)(1987-1992); and President, National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (1970-1987). - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fred R. Millsaps (74)(75) Trustee Since 1990 28 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director of various business and nonprofit organizations; manager of personal investments (1978-present); and formerly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Landmark Banking Corporation (1969-1978); Financial Vice President, Florida Power and Light (1965-1969); and Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (1958-1965). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Independent Trustees serving until 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Harris J. Ashton (71) Trustee Since 1992 142 Director, Bar-S Foods (meat packing 500 East Broward Blvd. company). Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director of various companies; and formerly, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998). - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frank J. Crothers (59) Trustee Since 1999 20 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chairman, Ventures Resources Corporation (Vice Chairman 1996-2003); Vice Chairman, Caribbean Utilities Co. Ltd.; Director and President, Provo Power Company Ltd.; Director, Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (Chairman until 2002); director of various other business and nonprofit organizations; and formerly, Chairman, Atlantic Equipment & Power Ltd. (1977-2003). - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ S. Joseph Fortunato (71) Trustee Since 1992 143 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Attorney; and formerly, member of the law firm of Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Edith E. Holiday (51) Trustee Since 1996 96 Director, Amerada Hess 500 East Broward Blvd. Corporation (exploration and Suite 2100 refining of oil and gas); Fort Lauderdale, FL Beverly Enterprises, Inc. 33394-3091 (health care); H.J. Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products); RTI International Metals, Inc. (manufacture and distribution of titanium); and Canadian National Railway (railroad). Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and formerly, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-1993); General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989- 1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Liaison--United States Treasury Department (1988-1989). - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Interested Trustee serving until 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Nicholas F. Brady (73) Trustee Since 1993 21 Director, Amerada Hess 500 East Broward Blvd. Corporation (exploration and Suite 2100 refining of oil and gas); and Fort Lauderdale, FL C2, Inc. (operating and 33394-3091 investment business); and formerly, Director, H.J. Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products) (1987-1988; 1993-2003). Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chairman, Darby Overseas Investments, Ltd., Darby Emerging Markets Investments LDC and Darby Technology Ventures Group, LLC (investment firms) (1994-present); Director, Templeton Capital Advisors Ltd. and Franklin Templeton Investment Fund; and formerly, Chairman, Templeton Emerging Markets Investment Trust PLC (until 2003), Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury (1988-1993); Chairman of the Board, Dillon, Read & Co., Inc. (investment banking) (until 1988); and U.S. Senator, New Jersey (April 1982- December 1982). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment adviser or affiliated investment advisers, and also may share a common underwriter. ** Nicholas F. Brady, Harmon E. Burns and Charles B. Johnson are "interested persons" of the Fund as defined by the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act limits the percentage of interested persons that can comprise a fund's board of trustees. Mr. Johnson is considered an interested person of the Fund due to his position as an officer and director and major shareholder of Resources, which is the parent company of the Fund's Investment 7 Manager, and his position with the Fund. Mr. Burns is considered an interested person of the Fund due to his position as an officer and director of Resources and his position with the Fund. Mr. Brady's status as an interested person results from his business affiliations with Resources and Templeton Global Advisors Limited. On October 1, 2003, Resources acquired all of the shares of Darby Overseas Investments, Ltd. ("Darby Investments") and the remaining portion of the limited partner interests not currently owned by Resources of Darby Overseas Partners, L.P. ("Darby Partners"). Mr. Brady, formerly a shareholder of Darby Investments and a partner of Darby Partners, will continue as Chairman of Darby Investments, which is the corporate general partner of Darby Partners. In addition, Darby Partners and Templeton Global Advisors Limited are limited partners of Darby Emerging Markets Fund, L.P. ("DEMF"). Mr. Brady will also continue to serve as Chairman of the corporate general partner of DEMF, and Darby Partners and Darby Investments own 100% of the stock of the general partner of DEMF. Resources also is an investor in Darby Technology Ventures Group, LLC ("DTV") in which Darby Partners is a significant investor and for which Darby Partners has the right to appoint a majority of the directors. Templeton Global Advisors Limited also 7 is a limited partner in Darby--BBVA Latin America Private Equity Fund, L.P. ("DBVA"), a private equity fund in which Darby Partners is a significant investor, and the general partner of which Darby Partners controls jointly with an unaffiliated third party. Mr. Brady is also a director of Templeton Capital Advisors Ltd. ("TCAL"), which serves as investment manager to certain unregistered funds. TCAL and Templeton Global Advisors Limited are both indirect subsidiaries of Resources. The remaining nominees and Trustees of the Fund are Independent Trustees. The following tables provide the dollar range of the equity securities of the Fund and of all funds overseen by the Trustees in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex beneficially owned by the Trustees of the Fund as of December 31, 2003.2004. Independent Trustees:
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Funds Overseen by the Dollar Range of Equity Trustee in the Franklin Templeton Name of Trustee Securities in the Fund Investments Fund Complex - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harris J. Ashton............ $1--$10,000$1 - $10,000 Over $100,000 Frank J. Crothers........... None Over $100,000 S. Joseph Fortunato......... $1--$10,000$1 - $10,000 Over $100,000 Edith E. Holiday............ $1--$10,000 Over $100,000 Betty P. Krahmer............ $10,001--$50,000$1 - $10,000 Over $100,000 Gordon S. Macklin........... $1--$10,000$10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000 Fred R. Millsaps............ None Over $100,000 Frank A. Olson.............. None Over $100,000 Frank A. Olson.............. None Over $100,000 Constantine D. Tseretopoulos None Over $100,000
Interested Trustees:
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Funds Overseen by the Dollar Range of Equity Trustee in the Franklin Templeton Name of Trustee Securities in the Fund Investments Fund Complex - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nicholas F. Brady........... $10,001--$50,000 Over $100,000--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harmon E. Burns.............Burns... None Over $100,000 Charles B. Johnson.......... $10,001--$50,000Johnson $10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000
How often do the Trustees meet and what are they paid? The role of the Trustees is to provide general oversight of the Fund's business, and to ensure that the Fund is operated for the benefit of all shareholders. The Trustees anticipate meeting at least five times during the current fiscal year to review the operations of the Fund and the Fund's investment performance. The Trustees also oversee the services furnished to the Fund by Templeton Asset Management Ltd.--Hong Kong Branch, the Fund's investment manager (the "Investment Manager"), and various other service providers. The Fund currently pays the Independent Trustees and Mr. Brady an annual retainer of $2,000 and a fee of $200 per Board meeting attended. Trustees serving on the Audit Committee of the Fund and other investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments receive a flat fee of $2,000 per Audit Committee meeting attended, a portion of which is allocated to the Fund. Members of a committee are not compensated for any committee meeting held on the day of a Board meeting. 8 During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003,2004, there were five meetings of the Board, three meetings of the Audit Committee, and five meetings of the Nominating Committee. Each Trustee then in office attended at least 8 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which the Trustee served. The Fund does not currently have a formal policy regarding Trustees' attendance at the annual shareholders' meetings. One Trusteemeeting. No Trustees attended the Fund's last annual meeting held on February 28, 2003.27, 2004. Certain Trustees and officers of the Fund are shareholders of Resources and may receive indirect remuneration due to their participation in management fees and other fees received by the Investment Manager and its affiliates from the funds in Franklin Templeton Investments. The Investment Manager or its affiliates pay the salaries and expenses of the officers. No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of Fund expenses.
Number of Boards within Total Compensation from Franklin Templeton Aggregate Compensation Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Name of Trustee from the Fund* Investments Fund Complex** on which Trustee Serves*** - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harris J. Ashton............ $3,000 $369,700 46 Nicholas F. Brady........... 3,000 82,300 15 Frank J. Crothers........... 3,042 106,400 14 S. Joseph Fortunato......... 3,000 369,700 47 Andrew H. Hines, Jr.****.... 3,024 202,225 1 Edith E. Holiday............ 3,000 297,707 32 Betty P. Krahmer............ 3,000 136,100 15 Gordon S. Macklin........... 3,000 369,700 46 Fred R. Millsaps............ 3,024 204,225 17 Frank A. Olson*****......... 533 54,150 14 Constantine D. Tseretopoulos 3,042 104,600 14
- -------- * Compensation received for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003. ** Compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2003. *** We base the number of boards on the number of U.S. registered investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. This number does not include the total number of series or funds within each investment company for which the Board members are responsible. Franklin Templeton Investments currently includes 51 registered investment companies, with approximately 154 U.S. based funds or series. **** Mr. Hines retired effective December 31, 2003. ***** Mr. Olson was appointed to the Board in May 2003. The table abovebelow indicates the total fees paid to Independent Trustees by the Fund individually and by all of the funds in Franklin Templeton Investments. These Trustees also serve as directors or trustees of other funds in Franklin Templeton Investments, many of which hold meetings at different dates and times. The Trustees and the Fund's management believe that having the same individuals serving on the boards of many of the funds in Franklin Templeton Investments enhances the ability of each fund to obtain, at a relatively modest cost to each separate fund, the services of high caliber, experienced and knowledgeable Independent Trustees who can more effectively oversee the management of the funds.
Number of Boards within Aggregate Total Compensation from Franklin Templeton Compensation Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Name of Trustee from the Fund* Investments Fund Complex** on which Trustee Serves*** - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harris J. Ashton............ $3,000 $370,100 46 Frank J. Crothers........... 3,023 138,500 15 S. Joseph Fortunato......... 3,000 372,100 47 Andrew H. Hines, Jr.****.... 1,209 0 0 Edith E. Holiday............ 3,000 360,527 33 Betty P. Krahmer*****....... 1,800 26,900 0 Gordon S. Macklin........... 3,000 368,101 46 Fred R. Millsaps............ 3,025 222,125 17 Frank A. Olson.............. 3,105 147,250 15 Constantine D. Tseretopoulos 3,023 140,500 15
- -------- *Compensation received for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004. **Compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2004. ***We base the number of boards on the number of U.S. registered investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. This number does not include the total number of series or funds within each investment company for which the Board members are responsible. Franklin Templeton Investments currently includes 51 U.S. registered investment companies, with approximately 154 U.S. based funds or series. ****Mr. Hines retired from the Board effective December 31, 2003. *****Ms. Krahmer retired from the Board effective February 24, 2004. 9 Board members historically have followed a policy of having substantial investments in one or more of the funds in Franklin Templeton Investments, as is consistent with their individual financial goals. In February 1998, this policy was formalized through adoption of a requirement that each board member invest one-third of the fees received for serving as a director or trustee of a Templeton fund in shares of one or more Templeton funds and one-third of the fees received for serving as a director or trustee of a Franklin fund in shares of one or more Franklin funds until the value of such investments equals or exceeds five times the annual fees paid to such board member. Investments in the name of family members or entities controlled by a board member constitute fund holdings of such board member for purposes of this policy, and a three-year phase-in period applies to such investment requirements for newly elected board members. In implementing this policy, a board member's fund holdings existing on February 27, 1998 were valued as of such date, with subsequent investments valued at cost. Who are the Executive Officers of the Fund? Officers of the Fund are appointed by the Trustees and serve at the pleasure of the Board. Listed below, for the Executive Officers, are their names, ages and addresses, as well as their positions and length of service with the Fund, and principal occupations during the past five years.
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charles B. Johnson Chairman of the Board, Trustee Chairman of the Board Trustee and Vice President and Trustee since 1995 and Vice President since 1992 Please refer to the table "Nominees for Interested Trustee to serve"Interested Trustees serving until 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders" for additional information about Mr. Charles B. Johnson. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harmon E. Burns Trustee and Trustee since 1992 and Vice President Vice President since 1996 Please refer to the table "Interested Trustees serving until 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders" for additional information about Mr. Harmon E. Burns. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Mobius (67)(68) President and Chief Executive President since 1987 and Chief 17th Floor, The Chater House Officer--Investment ManagementExecutive Officer-- Executive Officer--Investment 8 Connaught Road Investment Management Management since 2002 Central Hong Kong Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Portfolio Manager of various Templeton advisory affiliates; Managing Director, Templeton Asset Management Ltd.; Executive Vice President and Director, Templeton Global Advisors Limited; and officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of six of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, President, International Investment Trust Company Limited (investment manager of Taiwan R.O.C. Fund) (1986-1987); and Director, Vickers da Costa, Hong Kong (1983-1986). - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (63)(64) Vice President Since 1996 One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice Chairman, Member--Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Director, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 49 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harmon E. Burns Trustee and Vice President Trustee since 1992 and Vice President since 1996 Please refer to the table "Nominees for Interested Trustee to serve until 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders" for additional information about Mr. Harmon E. Burns. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Martin L. Flanagan (43)(44) Vice President Since 1989 One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Co-President and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; President and Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC; Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; Chairman, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 49 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeffrey A. Everett (39) Vice President Since 2001 P.O. Box N-7759 Lyford Cay, Nassau Bahamas Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: President and Director, Templeton Global Advisors Limited; officer of 15 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Investment Officer, First Pennsylvania Investment Research (until 1989). - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jimmy D. Gambill (56)(57) Senior Vice President and Since 2002 500 East Broward Blvd. Chief Executive Officer-- Suite 2100 Finance and Administration Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; Senior Vice President, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; and officer of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeffrey A. Everett (40) Vice President Since 2001 P. O. Box N-7759 Lyford Cay, Nassau Bahamas Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: President and Director, Templeton Global Advisors Limited; officer of 15 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Investment Officer, First Pennsylvania Investment Research (until 1989). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John R. Kay (63)(64) Vice President Since 1994 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice President, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Assistant Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 35 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Vice President and Controller, Keystone Group, Inc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Murray L. Simpson (66)(67) Vice President and Since 2000 One Franklin Parkway and Assistant Secretary San Mateo, CA Secretary 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Templeton Franklin Investment Services (Asia) Limited (until 2000); and Director, Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (until 1999). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barbara J. Green (56)(57) Vice President and Vice President since 2000 and One Franklin Parkway andAssistant Secretary Assistant Secretary since 19962004 San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Secretary and Senior Vice President, and Secretary, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Secretary, Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Advisory Services, LLC, Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc., Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, Franklin Templeton Alternative Strategies, Inc., Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc., Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC and Templeton/Franklin Investment Services, Inc.; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Deputy Director, Division of Investment Management, Executive Assistant and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, Counselor to the Chairman, Special Counsel and Attorney Fellow, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (1986-1995); Attorney, Rogers & Wells (until 1986); and Judicial Clerk, U.S. District Court (District of Massachusetts) (until 1979). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David P. Goss (56)(57) Vice President and Since 2000 One Franklin Parkway Assistant Secretary San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and director of one of the subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and director of one of the subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Property Resources Equity Trust (until 1999) and Franklin Select Realty Trust (until 2000). - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael O. Magdol (66)(67) Vice President--AML Compliance Since 2002 600 Fifth Avenue Compliance Rockefeller Center New York, NY 10048-077210028-2302 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice Chairman, Chief Banking Officer and Director, Fiduciary Trust Company International; Director, FTI Banque, Arch Chemicals, Inc. and Lingnan Foundation; and officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 48 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kimberley H. Monasterio (40)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert C. Rosselot (44) Secretary Since 2004 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Assistant Secretary, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC and Fiduciary Trust International of the South; officer of 15 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Assistant General Counsel, The Prudential Insurance Company of America (1997-2001). - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gregory R. Seward (48) Treasurer Since 2004 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 15 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Vice President, JPMorgan Chase (2000-2004) and American General Financial Group (1991-2000). - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- James M. Davis (52) Chief Compliance Officer Since 20032004 One Franklin Parkway Chief Financial Officer San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and officerOfficer of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.Investments; Director; Global Comliance, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and formerly, Director of Compliance, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2001). - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Galen G. Vetter (53) Chief Financial Officer and Since 500 East Broward Blvd. Chief Accounting Officer 2004 Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Officer of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and formerly, Managing Director, RSM McGladrey, Inc.; and Partner, McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
..ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND The Investment Manager. The Investment Manager of the Fund is Templeton Asset Management Ltd.--HongLtd.-Hong Kong Branch, a Singapore company with a branch office at Two Exchange Square,The Chater House, 17/th/ Floor, 8 Connaught Road, Central Hong Kong. Pursuant to an investment management agreement, the Investment Manager manages the investment and reinvestment of Fund assets. The Investment Manager is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources. The Administrator. The administrator of the Fund is Franklin Templeton Services, LLC ("FT Services") with offices at 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091. FT Services is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources and an affiliate of the Investment Manager. Pursuant to an administration agreement, FT Services performs certain administrative functions for the Fund. The Transfer Agent. The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for the Fund is Mellon Investor Services LLC, 85 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660. 13 The Custodian. The custodian for the Fund is JPMorgan Chase Bank, MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, New York 11245. Other Matters. The Fund's last audited financial statements and annual report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20032004 are available free of charge. To obtain a copy, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN(R) (1-800-342-5236) or forward a written request to Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-8030. Principal Shareholders. As of January 2,December 30, 2004, the Fund had 17,678,82417,692,625 shares outstanding and total net assets of $234,585,518.79.$283,327,762.42. The Fund's shares are listed on the NYSE (NYSE: EMF) and on the Pacific Exchange, Inc. From time to time, the number of shares held in "street name" accounts of various securities dealers for the benefit of their clients may exceed 5% of the total shares outstanding. To the knowledge of the Fund's management, as of January 2,December 30, 2004, there were no other entities holding beneficially or of record more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding shares. In addition, to the knowledge of the Fund's management, as of January 2,December 30, 2004, no nominee or Trustee of the Fund owned 1% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, and the Trustees and officers of the Fund owned, as a group, less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. 14 Contacting the Board of Trustees. If a shareholder wishes to send a communication to the Board, of Trustees, such correspondence should be in writing and addressed to the Board of Trustees at the Fund's offices, 500 East Broward Blvd.,Boulevard, Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091, Attention: Secretary. The correspondence will then be given to the Board for their review and consideration. ..AUDIT COMMITTEE Audit Committee and Independent Auditors.Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Fund's Audit Committee is responsible for recommending the selection of the Fund's independent auditors,registered public accounting firm (auditors), including evaluating their independence, and meeting with such auditors to consider and review matters relating to the Fund's financial reports and internal accounting. The Audit Committee also reviews the maintenance of the Fund's records and the safekeeping arrangements of the Fund's custodian. The Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. Millsaps (Chairman), Crothers, Olson and Tseretopoulos, all of whom are Independent Trustees and also are considered to be "independent" as that term is defined by the NYSE's listing standards. Selection of Independent Auditors. Upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board selected the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") as independent auditors of the Fund for the current fiscal year. Representatives of PwC are not expected to be present at the Meeting, but will have the opportunity to make a statement if they wish, and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence. Audit Fees. The aggregate fees paid to PwC for professional services rendered by PwC for the audit of the Fund's annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by PwC in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $18,267$6,052 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20032004 and $18,743$20,912 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002.2003. Audit-Related Fees. The aggregateThere were no fees paid to PwC for assurance and related services by PwC that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Fund's financial statements and not reported under "Audit Fees" above were $921 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 and $275 for the fiscal year ended 14 August 31, 2002. The services for which theses fees were paid included the semi-annual review of shareholder reports, internal control testing and evaluation and services in connection with the Fund's contract renewal.above. In addition, the Audit Committee pre-approves PwC's engagement for audit-related services with the Investment Manager and certain entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager that provide ongoing services to the Fund, which engagements relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The fees for these services were $426,460$45,000 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20032004 and $284,400$3,614 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002.2003. The services for which these fees were paid included attestation services. Tax Fees. PwC did not render any tax compliance, tax advice or tax planning services ("tax services") to the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20032004 or for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002.2003. PwC did not render any tax services to the Investment Manager or entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager that provide ongoing services to the Fund, which engagements relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20032004 or for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002.2003. All Other Fees. PwC did not billThe aggregate fees for other products and services provided by PwC, other than the services reported above, were $100 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 or2004 and $0 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. PwC did not render15 2003. The services for which these fees were paid included review of materials provided to the Fund Board in connection with the investment management contract renewal process. In addition, the Audit Committee pre-approves PwC's engagement for other services towith the Investment Manager orand certain entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager that provide ongoing services to the Fund, which engagements relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund,Fund. The aggregate fees not reported above for services provided by PwC were $99,985 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 or2004 and $876 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. As2003. The services included review of materials provided to the date of this Proxy Statement,Fund Board in connection with the Audit Committee has not adopted pre-approval policies and procedures. As a result, allinvestment management contract renewal process. Aggregate Non-Audit Fees. The aggregate non-audit fees for services provided by PwC must be directly pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Aggregate Non-Audit Fees. PwC did not render any non-audit services to the Fund, to the Investment Manager or to any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager that provide ongoing services to the Fund were $145,085 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20032004 and or$4,490 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002.2003. Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. As of the date of this proxy statement, the Audit Committee has not adopted written pre-approval policies and procedures. As a result, all such services described above and provided by PwC must be directly pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Audit Committee Report. The Board has adopted and approved a formal written charter for the Audit Committee, which sets forth the Audit Committee's responsibilities. A copy of the charter is attached as Exhibit B to this proxy statement. As required by the charter, the Audit Committee reviewed the Fund's audited financial statements and met with management, as well as with PwC, the Fund's independent auditors, to discuss the financial statements. 15 The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from PwC required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1. The Audit Committee also received the report of PwC regarding the results of their audit. In connection with their review of the financial statements and the auditors' report, the members of the Audit Committee discussed with a representative of PwC, their independence, as well as the following: the auditors' responsibilities in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards; the auditors' responsibilities for information prepared by management that accompanies the Fund's audited financial statements and any procedures performed and the results; the initial selection of, and whether there were any changes in, significant accounting policies or their application; management's judgments and accounting estimates; whether there were any significant audit adjustments; whether there were any disagreements with management; whether there was any consultation with other accountants; whether there were any major issues discussed with management prior to the auditors' retention; whether the auditors encountered any difficulties in dealing with management in performing the audit; and the auditors' judgments about the quality of the Fund's accounting principles. 16 Based on its review and discussions with management and the Fund's auditors, the Audit Committee did not become aware of any material misstatements or omissions in the financial statements. Accordingly, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20032004 for filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. AUDIT COMMITTEE Fred R. Millsaps (Chairman) Frank J. Crothers Andrew H. Hines, Jr. Frank A. Olson Constantine D. Tseretopoulos ..FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING AND THE MEETING Solicitation of Proxies. Your vote is being solicited by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.Trustees. The cost of soliciting proxies, including the fees of a proxy soliciting agent, is borne by the Fund. The Fund reimburses brokerage firms and others for their expenses in forwarding proxy material to the beneficial owners and soliciting them to execute proxies. In addition, the Fund may retain a professional proxy solicitation firm to assist with any necessary solicitation of proxies. The Fund expects that the solicitation would be primarily by mail, but may also include telephone, facsimile, electronic or other means of communication. If the Fund does not receive your proxy by a certain time you may receive a telephone call from a proxy soliciting agent asking you to vote. If professional proxy solicitors are retained, it is expected that soliciting fees would be approximately $5,000, plus expenses. The Fund does not reimburse Trustees and officers of the Fund, or regular employees and agents of the Investment Manager involved in the solicitation of proxies. The Fund intends to pay all costs associated with the solicitation and the Meeting. Voting by Broker-Dealers. The Fund expects that, before the Meeting, broker-dealer firms holding shares of the Fund in "street name" for their customers will request voting instructions from their customers and beneficial owners. If these instructions are not received by the date specified in the broker-dealer firms' proxy solicitation materials, the Fund understands that NYSE Rules permit the broker-dealers to vote on the Proposal 16 on behalf of their customers and beneficial owners. Certain broker-dealers may exercise discretion over shares held in their name for which no instructions are received by voting these shares in the same proportion as they vote shares for which they received instructions. Quorum. A majority of the shares entitled to vote--present in person or represented by proxy--constitutes a quorum at the Meeting. The shares over which broker-dealers have discretionary voting power, the shares that represent "broker non-votes" (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees as to which (i) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and (ii) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power on a particular matter), and the shares whose proxies reflect an abstention on any item will all be counted as shares present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether the required quorum of shares exists. Method of Tabulation. The Proposal to elect Trustees requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the Fund's shares present and voting on the Proposal at the Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be treated as votes present at the Meeting, but will not be treated as votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes, therefore, will have no effect on the Proposal. 17 Simultaneous Meetings. The Meeting is to be held at the same time as the annual meetings of shareholders of Templeton Emerging Markets Income Fund and Templeton Global Income Fund. If any shareholder at the Meeting objects to the holding of simultaneous meetings and moves for an adjournment of the Meeting to a time promptly after the simultaneous meetings, the persons designated as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment. Adjournment. The Chairman of the Board the presidingor other authorized officer of the Fund for the Meeting, and the holders of a majority of the shares present (in person or by proxy) and entitled to vote at the Meeting, each may adjourn the Meeting. Such authority to adjourn the Meeting may be used in the event that a quorum is not present at the Meeting or, in the event that a quorum is present but sufficient votes have not been received to approve the Proposal, or for any other reason consistent with Delaware law and the Fund's By-Laws, including to allow for the further solicitation of proxies. The persons designated as proxies may use their discretionary authority to vote as instructed by management of the Fund on questions of adjournment and on any other proposals raised at the meetingMeeting to the extent permitted by the SEC's proxy rules, including proposals for which management of the Fund did not have timely notice, as set forth in the SEC's proxy rules and the Fund's proxy statement for the 20032004 annual meeting. Shareholder Proposals. The Fund anticipates that its next annual meeting will be held on or about February 25, 2005.24, 2006. A shareholder who wishes to submit a proposal for consideration for inclusion in the Fund's proxy statement for the 20052006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must send such written proposal to the Fund's offices at 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091, Attention: Secretary, so that it is received no later than September 22, 200420, 2005 in order to be included in the Fund's proxy statement and proxy card relating to that meeting and presented at the meeting. A shareholder of the Fund who has not submitted a written proposal for inclusion in the Fund's proxy statement by September 22, 2004,20, 2005, as described above, may nonetheless present a proposal at the Fund's 20052006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders if such shareholder notifies the Fund in writing at the Fund's offices, of such proposal not earlier than September 28, 200427, 2005 and not later than October 28, 2004.27, 2005. If a shareholder fails to give notice within these dates, then the matter shall not be eligible for consideration at the shareholders' meeting. If, notwithstanding the effect of the foregoing notice provisions, a shareholder proposal is acted upon at the 20052006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the persons designated as proxy holders for proxies solicited by the Board of Trustees for the 20052006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders may exercise discretionary voting power with respect to any shareholder proposal not received by the Fund at the Fund's offices by December 6, 2004.4, 2005. A shareholder proposal may be presented at the 20052006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders only if such proposal concerns a matter that may be properly brought before the meeting under applicable federal proxy rules and state law. 17 In addition to the requirements set forth above, a shareholder must comply with the following: 1. A shareholder intending to present a proposal must (i) be entitled to vote at the meeting; (ii) comply with the notice procedures set forth in this proxy statement; and (iii) have been a shareholder of record at the time the shareholder's notice was received by the Fund. 2. Each notice regarding nominations for the election of Trustees shall set forth (i) the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee proposed in such notice; (ii) the principal occupation or employment of each such nominee; (iii) the number of outstanding shares of the Fund which are beneficially owned by each such nominee; and (iv) all such other information regarding each such nominee that would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the 18 proxy rules of the SEC, had each such nominee been nominated by the Trustees of the Fund. In addition, the shareholder making such nomination shall promptly provide any other information reasonably requested by the Fund. 3. Each notice regarding business proposals shall set forth as to each matter: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Fund's books, of the shareholder proposing such business; (iii) the number of outstanding shares of the Fund which are beneficially owned by the shareholder; (iv) any material interest of the shareholder in such business; and (v) all such other information regarding each such matter that would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC, had each such matter been proposed by the Trustees of the Fund. Submission of a proposal by a shareholder does not guarantee that the proposal will be included in the Fund's proxy statement or presented at the meeting. By Order of the Board of Trustees, Barbara J. GreenRobert C. Rosselot Secretary January 20, 2004 18, 2005 19 EXHIBIT A NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER I. The Committee. The Nominating Committee (the "Committee") is a committee of, and established by, the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund (the "Board"). The Committee consists of such number of members as set by the Board from time to time and its members shall be selected by the Board. The Committee shall be comprised entirely of "independent members." For purposes of this Charter, independent members shall mean members who are not interested persons of the Fund ("Disinterested Board members") as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). II. Board Nominations and Functions. 1. The Committee shall make recommendations for nominations for Disinterested Board members on the Board to the incumbent Disinterested Board members and to the full Board. The Committee shall evaluate candidates' qualifications for Board membership and the independence of such candidates from the Fund's investment manager and other principal service providers. Persons selected must be independent in terms of both the letter and the spirit of the 1940 Act. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, e.g., business, financial or family relationships with investment managers or service providers. 2. The Committee also shall evaluate candidates' qualifications and make recommendations for "interested" members on the Board to the full Board. 3. The Committee may adopt from time to time specific, minimum qualifications that the Committee believes a candidate must meet before being considered as a candidate for Board membership and shall comply with any rules adopted from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding investment company nominating committees and the nomination of persons to be considered as candidates for Board membership. 4. The Committee shall review shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board if such recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Committee at the Fund's offices. The Committee shall adopt, by resolution, a policy regarding its procedures for considering candidates for the Board, including any recommended by shareholders. III. Committee Nominations and Functions. 1. The Committee shall make recommendations to the full Board for nomination for membership on all committees of the Board. 2. The Committee shall review as necessary the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the full Board. A-1 3. The Committee shall, on an annual basis, review the performance of the Disinterested Board members. IV. Other Powers and Responsibilities. 1. The Committee shall meet at least twiceonce each year or more frequently in open or executive sessions. The Committee may invite members of management, counsel, advisers and others to attend its meetings as it deems appropriate. The Committee shall have separate sessions with management and others, as and when it deems appropriate. A-1 2. The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Fund. 3. The Committee shall report its activities to the Board and make such recommendations as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate. 4. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Committee. The action of a majority of the members of the Committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Committee. The Committee may meet in person or by telephone, and the Committee may act by written consent, to the extent permitted by law and by the Fund's by-laws. In the event of any inconsistency between this Charter and the Fund's organizational documents, the provisions of the Fund's organizational documents shall be given precedence. 5. The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board. ADDITIONAL STATEMENT FOR CLOSED-END FUNDS ONLY The Committee shall comply with any rules of any stock exchange, if any, applicable to nominating committees of closed-end funds whose shares are registered thereon. A-2 EXHIBIT B AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER I. The Committee. The Audit Committee ("Committee") is a committee of, and established by, the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund (the "Board"). The Committee shall consist of such number of members as set by the Board from time to time, but in no event less than three, and its members shall be selected by the Board. The Committee shall be comprised entirely of "independent" members, as defined in Item 3(a)(2) of SEC Form N-CSR ("Disinterested Board members"). Members shall be financially literate.literate, meaning that each member is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including the Fund's balance sheet and income statement. At least one member of the Committee shall be designated by the Board as an "audit committee financial expert," as defined in Item 3(b) of SEC Form N-CSR, unless the Board determines that the Fund does not have an audit committee financial expert on the Committee. II. Purposes of the Committee. The function of the Committee is to be directly responsible for overseeing the Fund's accounting and auditing processes, which shall include the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the Fund's independent auditorsregistered public accounting firm ("auditors") engaged (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Fund. It is management's responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and internal controls. It is the auditors' responsibility to plan and carry out a properan audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and to report directly to the Committee. It is not the duty of the Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Fund's financial statements are complete and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; it is the responsibility of the auditors to conduct audits and the responsibility of management to prepare the Fund's financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In giving its recommendations to the Board with respect to the Fund's financial statements, the Committee will rely on: 1. management's representation that such financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, 2. the report of the Fund's auditors with respect to such financial statements. Consistent with such allocation of functions, the purposes of the Committee are: (a) To oversee the Fund's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls, and to obtain, where it deems appropriate, reports on internal controls of service providers to the Fund; (b) To oversee the quality, objectivity and objectivityintegrity of the Fund's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) To act as a liaison between the Fund's independent auditors and the Board; and B-1 (d) To consider such other matters as it deems appropriate in carrying out its purpose and any other matters that may be assigned to it by the Board. In addition, the Committee shall serve as the Fund's Qualified Legal Compliance Committee ("QLCC") pursuant to Section 205 of the SEC's Standards of Professional Conduct for Attorneys (the "Standards"). In this capacity, the Committee is required to adopt and maintain written procedures for the confidential receipt, retention and consideration of any report of evidence of a material violation. "Evidence of a material violation" means credible evidence, based upon which it would be unreasonable, under the circumstances, for a prudent and competent attorney not to conclude that it is reasonably likely that a material violation of an applicable U.S. federal or state securities law, a material breach of fiduciary (or similar duty) to the Fund arising under U.S. federal or state law, or a similar material violation of any U.S. federal or state law has occurred, is ongoing, or is about to occur. B-1 III. Powers and Duties. The Committee shall have the following powers and duties to carry out its purposes: (a) To select the auditors, subject to approval both by the Board and by a separate vote of the Disinterested Board members, and, in connection therewith, to evaluate the independence and qualifications of the auditors in accordance with applicable law.federal securities laws and regulations and the rules and standards of the Independence Standards Board and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. (b) To be directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by, and the compensation of, the auditors, including: (i) pre-approval of all audit and audit related services; (ii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fund by the auditors; (iii)pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fund by the auditors to the Fund's investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Fund's investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the Fund where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund; and (iv) establishment by the Committee, if deemed necessary or appropriate, as an alternative to Committee pre-approval of services to be provided by the auditors, as required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, of policies and procedures to permit such services to be pre-approved by other means, such as through establishment of guidelines or by action of a designated member or members of the Committee; provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and the Committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of audit committee responsibilities, as contemplated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to management; subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules. (c) To meet with the auditors, including private meetings, as necessary to (i) review the arrangements for and scope of the annual audit and any special audits; (ii) discuss any matters or concerns relating to the Fund's financial statements, including any recorded and/or unrecorded adjustments to such statements recommended by the auditors, or other results of audits; (iii) consider the auditors' comments with respect to the Fund's financial, accounting and reporting policies, procedures and internal controls and management's responses thereto; and (iv) to review the form of opinion the auditors propose to render. B-2 (d) To receive and consider reports from the auditors: (i) as required by generally accepted accounting standards; and (ii) annually and by update as required by SEC Regulation S-X, regarding: (w) all critical accounting policies and practices of the Fund to be used; (x) alternative treatments within generally accepted accounting principles for policies and practices related to material items that have been discussed with management of the Fund, including ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the auditors; (y) other material written communications between the auditors and management of the Fund, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences; and (z) all non-audit services provided to any entity in an investment company complex, as defined in SEC Regulation S-X, that were not pre-approved by the Committee pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X. (e) To consider the effect upon the Fund of any changes in accounting principles or practices proposed by management or the auditors. B-2 (f) To investigate improprieties or suspected improprieties in Fund operations. (g) In considering the independence of the auditors, to request from, and discuss with, the auditors a written statement, and other reports as necessary, describing all relationships between the auditors and the Fund, the Fund's investment adviser and service providers, and other entities advised or serviced by, including any entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with, the investment adviser or any other service providers to the Fund;Fund that, in the auditor's judgment, could be thought to obtainbear upon the auditor's independence; to receive and consider, if applicable, periodic reports from the auditors regarding whether the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditors'auditor's independence; and to request from the auditors a certificate that they are independent auditors under the Federal securities laws and are in compliance with all standards adopted by the Independence Standards Board. (h) To review the experience and qualifications of the senior members of the auditors' team and the quality control procedures of the auditors. (i)(g) To require that the auditors regularly provide timely information to the Committee with respect to new rules and pronouncements by applicable regulatory and accounting standards agencies, along with an explanation of how such developments may affect the Fund's financial statements and accounting principles and practices. (j)(h) To review, at such times and in the manner deemed appropriate by the Committee, the results of the annual audit and financial statements,of, and the report of the auditors' audit of theauditors on Fund's annual financial statements, including footnotes and any significant audit findings. (k)(i) To consider management's evaluationany reports of difficulties that may have arisen during the course of the Fund's disclosure controlsaudit, including any limitations of the scope of the audit, and procedures in connection withmanagement's response thereto. (j) To review certifications of the Fund's Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer concerning (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which couldare reasonably likely to adversely affect the Fund's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the Fund's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls;information; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Fund's internal controls over financial reporting, and for any other purposes the Committee deems appropriate. (l)appropriate, as required by (S) 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. B-3 (k) To inform the chief legal officer ("CLO") and chief executive officer ("CEO") of the Fund (or the equivalents thereof) of any report of evidence of a material violation by the Fund, its officers, directors/trustees, employees (if any), or agents (collectively, "affiliates"). (m) ToIn connection therewith, the Committee shall: (i) determine whether an investigation is necessary regarding any report of evidence of a material violation by the Fund or it affiliates. (n) Ifaffiliates; (ii) if the Committee determines such an investigation is necessary or appropriate, (i)(A) to notify the Board; (ii) to(B) initiate an investigation, which may be conducted by either the CLO or by outside attorneys; and (iii) to(C) retain such additional expert personnel as the Committee deems necessary to assist in the investigation. (o) Atinvestigation; (iii) at the conclusion of any such investigation, (i) to(A) recommend by a majority vote, that the Fund implement an appropriate response (as defined in Section 205.2(b) of the Standards) to evidence of a material violation, and (ii) to(B) inform the CLO and the CEO and the Board of the results of such investigation and the appropriate remedial measures to be adopted. (p) Actingadopted; (iv) acting by majority vote, to take all other appropriate action, including the authority to notify the SEC in the event the Fund fails in any material respect to implement an appropriate response that the Committee has recommended the Fund to take. B-3 (q) Totake; and (v) otherwise respond to evidence of a material violation. IV. Other Functions and Procedures of the Committee. (a) The Committee shall meet at least twice each year or more frequently, in open or executive sessions.sessions, as may be necessary to fulfill its responsibilities. The Committee shall meet as frequently as circumstances require with (i) the auditors as provided in III (c), above; and (ii) management's internal audit department to review and discuss internal audit functions and reports. The Committee may invite members of management, the auditors, counsel, advisers and others to attend its meetings as it deems appropriate. The Committee shall have separate sessions with the auditors, management and others, as and when it deems appropriate. (b) The Committee shall establish procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Fund or the Fund's adviser regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or accounting matters;matters relating to the Fund; and (ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Fund or the Fund's adviser, administrator, principal underwriter or any other provider of accounting related services for the Fund, of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. (c) The Committee shall have the authority to engage special counsel, experts and advisers as and when it determines necessary to carry out its duties and the Fund must provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of (i) compensation to any auditors engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Fund; (ii) compensation to any advisers employed by the Committee; and (iii) ordinary administrative expenses of the Committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties. (d) The Committee shall have unrestricted access to the Fund's management and management of the Fund's adviser, including, but not limited to, their chief executive officer(s), chief financial officer(s), internal auditors and any other executives and financial officers. B-4 (e) The Committee shall report its activities to the Board and make such recommendations as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate. (f) The Committee shall review and assess the adequacy of this Charter annually, or more frequently if it chooses, and recommend any changes to the Board. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTSTATEMENTS FOR CLOSED-END FUNDS ONLY The Committee shall comply with rules(The provisions set forth in Appendix A hereto are intended to cover specific requirements and wording mandated by applicable Stock Exchange listing requirements.) B-5 APPENDIX A In addition to the purposes set forth above, the purposes of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to closed-end funds, including (i) theCommittee include: (a) preparation of the Audit Committee Disclosure Report required to be included in the Fund's annual proxy statement; and (ii)(b) the review and discussionassistance of Fund financial statements and management policies in accordance with applicable Corporate Governance Rulesoversight, as either part of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. B-4 TLEMF PROXY 01/04 [LOGO] FRANKLIN/R/ TEMPLETON/R/ INVESTMENTS TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND IMPORTANT SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION These materials are for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for February 27, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. The enclosed materials discuss the proposal (the "Proposal") to be voted on at the meeting, and contain the Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card. A proxy card is, in essence, a ballot. When you vote your proxy, it tells us how you wish to vote on important issues relating to Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (the "Fund"). If you specify a vote for the Proposal, your proxy will be voted as you indicate. If you simply sign and date the proxy card, but do not specify a vote for the Proposal, your proxy will be voted FOR the Proposal. We urge you to spend a few minutes reviewing the Proposal in the proxy statement. Then, please fill out and sign the proxy card and return it to us so that we know how you would like to vote. When shareholders return their proxies promptly, the Fund may be able to save money by not having to conduct additional mailings. We welcome your comments. If you have any questions, call Fund Information at 1-800/DIAL BEN(R) (1-800-342-5236). TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING For your convenience, you may be able to vote by telephone or through the Internet, 24 hours a day. If your account is eligible, a control number and separate instructions are enclosed. [LOGO] FRANKLIN/R/ TEMPLETON/R/ INVESTMENTS TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND NOTICE OF 2004 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS The Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") of Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (the "Fund") will be held at the Fund's offices, 500 East Broward Boulevard, 12th Floor, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091 on February 27, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. During the Meeting, shareholders of the Fund will vote on the following Proposal: . The election of four Trustees of the Fund to hold office for the terms specified. By Order of the Board of Trustees, Barbara J. Green Secretary January 20, 2004 Many shareholders hold shares in more than one Templeton fund and will receive proxy material for each fund owned. Please sign and promptly return each proxy card in the self-addressed envelope regardless of the number of shares you own. TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND PROXY STATEMENT ..INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING Who is asking for my vote? The Trustees of Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (the "Fund"), in connection with the Fund's Annual Meeting of Shareholders, have requested your vote. Who is eligible to vote? Shareholders of record at the close of business on January 2, 2004 are entitled to be present and to vote at the Meeting or any adjourned Meeting. Each share of record is entitled to one vote (and a proportionate fractional vote for each fractional share) on each matter presented at the Meeting. The Notice of Meeting, the proxy card, and proxy statement were first mailed to shareholders of record on or about January 20, 2004. On what issue am I being asked to vote? You are being asked to vote on the election of four nominees to the position of Trustee. How do the Fund's Trustees recommend that I vote? The Trustees unanimously recommend that you vote FOR the election of the four nominees. How do I ensure that my vote is accurately recorded? You may attend the Meeting and vote in person or you may complete and return the enclosed proxy card. If you are eligible to vote by telephone or through the Internet, a control number and separate instructions are enclosed. Proxy cards that are properly signed, dated and received at or prior to the Meeting will be voted as specified. If you specify a vote for the Proposal, your proxy will be voted as you indicate. If you simply sign, date and return the proxy card, but do not specify a vote for the Proposal, your shares will be voted FOR the nominees for Trustee. May I revoke my proxy? You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by forwarding a written revocation or a later-dated proxy to the Fund that is received at or prior to the Meeting, or by attending the Meeting and voting in person. What if my shares are held in a brokerage account? If your shares are held by your broker, then in order to vote in person at the Meeting, you will need to obtain a "Legal Proxy" from your broker and present it to the Inspector of Election at the Meeting. ..THE PROPOSAL: ELECTION OF TRUSTEES How are nominees selected? The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the "Board" or the "Trustees") has a Nominating Committee (the "Committee") consisting of Frank J. Crothers, Edith E. Holiday and Gordon S. Macklin, none of whom is an "interested person" as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund are referred to as the "Independent Trustees" and Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund are referred to as the "Interested Trustees." The Committee is responsible for selecting candidates to serve as Trustees and recommending such candidates (a) for selection and nomination as Independent Trustees by the incumbent Independent Trustees and the full Board; and (b) for selection and nomination as Interested Trustees by the full Board. In considering a candidate's qualifications, the Committee generally considers the potential candidate's educational background, business or professional experience, and reputation. In addition, the Committee has established as minimum qualifications for Board membership as an Independent Trustee: (1) that such candidate be independent from relationships with the Fund's investment manager and other principal service providers both within the terms and the spirit of the statutory independence requirements specified under the 1940 Act, (2) that such candidate demonstrate an ability and willingness to make the considerable time commitment, including personal attendance at Board meetings, believed necessary to his or her function as an effective Board member, and (3) that such candidate have no continuing relationship as a director, officer or board member of any mutual fund other than those within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. When the Board has or expects to have a vacancy, the Committee receives and reviews information on individuals qualified to be recommended to the full Board as nominees for election as Trustees, including any recommendations by shareholders. Such individuals are evaluated based upon the criteria described above. To date, the Committee has been able to identify, and expects to continue to be able to identify from its own resources, an ample number of qualified candidates. The Committee, however, will review shareholders' recommendations to fill vacancies on the Board if these recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Committee at the Fund's offices. The Board has adopted and approved a formal written charter for the Committee. A copy of the charter is attached as Exhibit A to this proxy statement. Who are the nominees and Trustees? The Board is divided into three classes. Each class has a term of three years. Each year the term of office of one class expires. This year, the terms of four Trustees expire. Harmon E. Burns, Charles B. Johnson, Frank A. Olson and Constantine D. Tseretopoulos have been nominated for three-year terms, set to expire at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. These terms continue, however, until successors are duly elected and qualified. Among these Trustees, Harmon E. Burns and Charles B. Johnson are each deemed to be an "interested person" for purposes of the 1940 Act. All of the nominees are currently members of the Board; however, Mr. Olson is standing for election by shareholders of the Fund for the first time. An incumbent Independent Trustee recommended Mr. Olson for consideration by the Committeeor as a nominee for Trustee. In addition, all of the current nominees and Trustees are also directors or trustees of other Franklin(R) funds and/or Templeton(R) funds. Certain Trustees of the Fund hold director and/or officer positions with Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Resources") and its affiliates. Resources is a publicly owned holding company, the principal shareholders of which are Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., who owned approximately 18.14% and 15.47%, 2 respectively, of its outstanding shares as of August 31, 2003. Resources, a global investment organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments, is primarily engaged, through various subsidiaries, in providing investment management, share distribution, transfer agent and administrative services to a family of investment companies. Resources is a New York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE") listed holding company (NYSE: BEN). Charles B. Johnson, Chairman of the Board, Trustee and Vice President of the Fund, and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., Vice President of the Fund, are brothers. There are no family relationships among any of the Trustees or nominees for Trustee. Each nominee currently is available and has consented to serve if elected. If any of the nominees should become unavailable, the designated proxy holders will vote in their discretion for another person or persons who may be nominated as Trustees. Listed below, for the nominees and Trustees, are their names, ages and addresses, as well as their positions and length of service with the Fund, principal occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex that they oversee, and any other directorships held by the nominee or Trustee. Nominees for Independent Trustee to serve until 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders:
Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Time Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frank A. Olson (71) Trustee Since 2003 20 Director, Becton, Dickinson 500 East Broward Blvd. and Co. (medical technology); Suite 2100 White Mountains Insurance Fort Lauderdale, FL Group Ltd. (holding company); 33394-3091 and Amerada Hess Corporation (exploration and refining of oil and gas). Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chairman of the Board, The Hertz Corporation (car rental) (since 1980) (Chief Executive Officer 1977-1999); and formerly, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, UAL Corporation (airlines). - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Constantine D. Tseretopoulos (49) Trustee Since 1999 20 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Physician, Lyford Cay Hospital (1987-present); and director of various nonprofit organizations; and formerly, Cardiology Fellow, University of Maryland (1985-1987) and Internal Medicine Resident, Greater Baltimore Medical Center (1982-1985). - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Nominees for Interested Trustee to serve until 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Harmon E. Burns (58) Trustee Trustee since 38 None One Franklin Parkway and Vice 1992 and San Mateo, CA President Vice President 94403-1906 since 1996 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice Chairman, Member--Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Director, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Director, Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 49 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Charles B. Johnson (70) Chairman Chairman of 142 None One Franklin Parkway of the the Board and San Mateo, CA Board, Trustee since 94403-1906 Trustee 1995 and and Vice Vice President President since 1992 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chairman of the Board, Member--Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; Director, Fiduciary Trust Company International; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 46 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Independent Trustees serving until 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Betty P. Krahmer (74) Trustee Since 1990 21 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director or Trustee of various civic associations; and formerly, Economic Analyst, U.S. government. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gordon S. Macklin (75) Trustee Since 1993 142 Director, White Mountains Insurance 500 East Broward Blvd. Group, Ltd. (holding company); Martek Suite 2100 Biosciences Corporation; MedImmune, Fort Lauderdale, FL Inc. (biotechnology); Overstock.com 33394-3091 (Internet services); and Spacehab, Inc. (aerospace services); and formerly, Director, MCI Communication Corporation (subsequently known as MCI WorldCom, Inc. and WorldCom, Inc.) (communications services) (1988-2002). Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Deputy Chairman, White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company); and formerly, Chairman, White River Corporation (financial services) (1993-1998) and Hambrecht & Quist Group (investment banking) (1987- 1992); and President, National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (1970-1987). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fred R. Millsaps (74) Trustee Since 1990 28 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director of various business and nonprofit organizations; manager of personal investments (1978-present); and formerly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Landmark Banking Corporation (1969-1978); Financial Vice President, Florida Power and Light (1965-1969); and Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (1958-1965). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Independent Trustees serving until 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Harris J. Ashton (71) Trustee Since 1992 142 Director, Bar-S Foods (meat packing 500 East Broward Blvd. company). Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director of various companies; and formerly, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998). - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Frank J. Crothers (59) Trustee Since 1999 20 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chairman, Ventures Resources Corporation (Vice Chairman 1996-2003); Vice Chairman, Caribbean Utilities Co. Ltd.; Director and President, Provo Power Company Ltd.; Director, Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (Chairman until 2002); director of various other business and nonprofit organizations; and formerly, Chairman, Atlantic Equipment & Power Ltd. (1977-2003). - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ S. Joseph Fortunato (71) Trustee Since 1992 143 None 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Attorney; and formerly, member of the law firm of Pitney, Hardin, Kipp & Szuch. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Edith E. Holiday (51) Trustee Since 1996 96 Director, Amerada Hess 500 East Broward Blvd. Corporation (exploration and Suite 2100 refining of oil and gas); Fort Lauderdale, FL Beverly Enterprises, Inc. 33394-3091 (health care); H.J. Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products); RTI International Metals, Inc. (manufacture and distribution of titanium); and Canadian National Railway (railroad). Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and formerly, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-1993); General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989- 1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Public Liaison--United States Treasury Department (1988-1989). - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Interested Trustee serving until 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders: Number of Portfolios in Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Length of Overseen by Name, Age and Address Position Time Served Trustee* Other Directorships Held - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Nicholas F. Brady (73) Trustee Since 1993 21 Director, Amerada Hess 500 East Broward Blvd. Corporation (exploration and Suite 2100 refining of oil and gas); and Fort Lauderdale, FL C2, Inc. (operating and 33394-3091 investment business); and formerly, Director, H.J. Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products) (1987-1988; 1993-2003). Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Chairman, Darby Overseas Investments, Ltd., Darby Emerging Markets Investments LDC and Darby Technology Ventures Group, LLC (investment firms) (1994-present); Director, Templeton Capital Advisors Ltd. and Franklin Templeton Investment Fund; and formerly, Chairman, Templeton Emerging Markets Investment Trust PLC (until 2003), Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury (1988-1993); Chairman of the Board, Dillon, Read & Co., Inc. (investment banking) (until 1988); and U.S. Senator, New Jersey (April 1982- December 1982). - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the U.S. registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment adviser or affiliated investment advisers, and also may share a common underwriter. ** Nicholas F. Brady, Harmon E. Burns and Charles B. Johnson are "interested persons" of the Fund as defined by the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act limits the percentage of interested persons that can comprise a fund's board of trustees. Mr. Johnson is considered an interested person of the Fund due to his position as an officer and director and major shareholder of Resources, which is the parent companyCommittee, of the Fund's Investment Manager,compliance with legal and his position with the Fund. Mr. Burns is considered an interested person of the Fund due to his position as an officer and director of Resources and his position with the Fund. Mr. Brady's status as an interested person results from his business affiliations with Resources and Templeton Global Advisors Limited. On October 1, 2003, Resources acquired all of the shares of Darby Overseas Investments, Ltd. ("Darby Investments") and the remaining portion of the limited partner interests not currently owned by Resources of Darby Overseas Partners, L.P. ("Darby Partners"). Mr. Brady, formerly a shareholder of Darby Investments and a partner of Darby Partners, will continue as Chairman of Darby Investments, which is the corporate general partner of Darby Partners. In addition, Darby Partners and Templeton Global Advisors Limited are limited partners of Darby Emerging Markets Fund, L.P. ("DEMF"). Mr. Brady will also continue to serve as Chairman of the corporate general partner of DEMF, and Darby Partners and Darby Investments own 100% of the stock of the general partner of DEMF. Resources also is an investor in Darby Technology Ventures Group, LLC ("DTV") in which Darby Partners is a significant investor and for which Darby Partners has the right to appoint a majority of the directors. Templeton Global Advisors Limited also 7 is a limited partner in Darby--BBVA Latin America Private Equity Fund, L.P. ("DBVA"), a private equity fund in which Darby Partners is a significant investor, and the general partner of which Darby Partners controls jointly with an unaffiliated third party. Mr. Brady is also a director of Templeton Capital Advisors Ltd. ("TCAL"), which serves as investment manager to certain unregistered funds. TCAL and Templeton Global Advisors Limited are both indirect subsidiaries of Resources. The remaining nominees and Trustees of the Fund are Independent Trustees. The following tables provide the dollar range of the equity securities of the Fund and of all funds overseen by the Trustees in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex beneficially owned by the Trustees of the Fund as of December 31, 2003. Independent Trustees:
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Funds Overseen by the Dollar Range of Equity Trustee in the Franklin Templeton Name of Trustee Securities in the Fund Investments Fund Complex - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harris J. Ashton............ $1--$10,000 Over $100,000 Frank J. Crothers........... None Over $100,000 S. Joseph Fortunato......... $1--$10,000 Over $100,000 Edith E. Holiday............ $1--$10,000 Over $100,000 Betty P. Krahmer............ $10,001--$50,000 Over $100,000 Gordon S. Macklin........... $1--$10,000 Over $100,000 Fred R. Millsaps............ None Over $100,000 Frank A. Olson.............. None Over $100,000 Constantine D. Tseretopoulos None Over $100,000 Interested Trustees: Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Funds Overseen by the Dollar Range of Equity Trustee in the Franklin Templeton Name of Trustee Securities in the Fund Investments Fund Complex - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nicholas F. Brady........... $10,001--$50,000 Over $100,000 Harmon E. Burns............. None Over $100,000 Charles B. Johnson.......... $10,001--$50,000 Over $100,000
How often do the Trustees meet and what are they paid? The role of the Trustees is to provide general oversight of the Fund's business, and to ensure that the Fund is operated for the benefit of all shareholders. The Trustees anticipate meeting at least five times during the current fiscal year to review the operations of the Fund and the Fund's investment performance. The Trustees also oversee the services furnished to the Fund by Templeton Asset Management Ltd.--Hong Kong Branch, the Fund's investment manager (the "Investment Manager"), and various other service providers. The Fund currently pays the Independent Trustees and Mr. Brady an annual retainer of $2,000 and a fee of $200 per Board meeting attended. Trustees serving on the Audit Committee of the Fund and other investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments receive a flat fee of $2,000 per Audit Committee meeting attended, a portion of which is allocated to the Fund. Members of a committee are not compensated for any committee meeting held on the day of a Board meeting. 8 During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003, there were five meetings of the Board, three meetings of the Audit Committee, and five meetings of the Nominating Committee. Each Trustee then in office attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which the Trustee served. The Fund does not currently have a formal policy regarding Trustees' attendance at annual shareholders' meetings. One Trustee attended the Fund's last annual meeting held on February 28, 2003. Certain Trustees and officers of the Fund are shareholders of Resources and may receive indirect remuneration due to their participation in management fees and other fees received by the Investment Manager and its affiliates from the funds in Franklin Templeton Investments. The Investment Manager or its affiliates pay the salaries and expenses of the officers. No pension or retirement benefits are accrued as part of Fund expenses.
Number of Boards within Total Compensation from Franklin Templeton Aggregate Compensation Franklin Templeton Investments Fund Complex Name of Trustee from the Fund* Investments Fund Complex** on which Trustee Serves*** - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harris J. Ashton............ $3,000 $369,700 46 Nicholas F. Brady........... 3,000 82,300 15 Frank J. Crothers........... 3,042 106,400 14 S. Joseph Fortunato......... 3,000 369,700 47 Andrew H. Hines, Jr.****.... 3,024 202,225 1 Edith E. Holiday............ 3,000 297,707 32 Betty P. Krahmer............ 3,000 136,100 15 Gordon S. Macklin........... 3,000 369,700 46 Fred R. Millsaps............ 3,024 204,225 17 Frank A. Olson*****......... 533 54,150 14 Constantine D. Tseretopoulos 3,042 104,600 14
- -------- * Compensation received for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003. ** Compensation received for the calendar year ended December 31, 2003. *** We base the number of boards on the number of U.S. registered investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. This number does not include the total number of series or funds within each investment company for which the Board members are responsible. Franklin Templeton Investments currently includes 51 registered investment companies, with approximately 154 U.S. based funds or series. **** Mr. Hines retired effective December 31, 2003. ***** Mr. Olson was appointed to the Board in May 2003. The table above indicates the total fees paid to Trustees by the Fund individually and by all of the funds in Franklin Templeton Investments. These Trustees also serve as directors or trustees of other funds in Franklin Templeton Investments, many of which hold meetings at different dates and times. The Trustees and the Fund's management believe that having the same individuals serving on the boards of many of the funds in Franklin Templeton Investments enhances the ability of each fund to obtain, at a relatively modest cost to each separate fund, the services of high caliber, experienced and knowledgeable Independent Trustees who can more effectively oversee the management of the funds. 9 Board members historically have followed a policy of having substantial investments in one or more of the funds in Franklin Templeton Investments, as is consistent with their individual financial goals. In February 1998, this policy was formalized through adoption of a requirement that each board member invest one-third of the fees received for serving as a director or trustee of a Templeton fund in shares of one or more Templeton funds and one-third of the fees received for serving as a director or trustee of a Franklin fund in shares of one or more Franklin funds until the value of such investments equals or exceeds five times the annual fees paid to such board member. Investments in the name of family members or entities controlled by a board member constitute fund holdings of such board member for purposes of this policy, and a three-year phase-in period applies to such investment requirements for newly elected board members. In implementing this policy, a board member's fund holdings existing on February 27, 1998 were valued as of such date, with subsequent investments valued at cost. Who are the Executive Officers of the Fund? Officers of the Fund are appointed by the Trustees and serve at the pleasure of the Board. Listed below, for the Executive Officers are their names, ages and addresses, as well as their positions and length of service with the Fund, and principal occupations during the past five years.
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Charles B. Johnson Chairman of the Board, Trustee Chairman of the Board and Vice President and Trustee since 1995 and Vice President since 1992 Please refer to the table "Nominees for Interested Trustee to serve until 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders" for additional information about Mr. Charles B. Johnson. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mark Mobius (67) President and Chief Executive President since 1987 and Chief 17th Floor, The Chater House Officer--Investment Management Executive Officer--Investment 8 Connaught Road Management since 2002 Central Hong Kong Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Portfolio Manager of various Templeton advisory affiliates; Managing Director, Templeton Asset Management Ltd.; Executive Vice President and Director, Templeton Global Advisors Limited; and officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of six of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, President, International Investment Trust Company Limited (investment manager of Taiwan R.O.C. Fund) (1986-1987); and Director, Vickers da Costa, Hong Kong (1983-1986). - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (63) Vice President Since 1996 One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice Chairman, Member--Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Director, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc. and Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 49 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harmon E. Burns Trustee and Vice President Trustee since 1992 and Vice President since 1996 Please refer to the table "Nominees for Interested Trustee to serve until 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders" for additional information about Mr. Harmon E. Burns. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Martin L. Flanagan (43) Vice President Since 1989 One Franklin Parkway San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Co-President and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; President and Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC; Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; Chairman, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 49 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeffrey A. Everett (39) Vice President Since 2001 P.O. Box N-7759 Lyford Cay, Nassau Bahamas Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: President and Director, Templeton Global Advisors Limited; officer of 15 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Investment Officer, First Pennsylvania Investment Research (until 1989). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jimmy D. Gambill (56) Senior Vice President and Since 2002 500 East Broward Blvd. Chief Executive Officer-- Suite 2100 Finance and Administration Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; Senior Vice President, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; and officer of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ John R. Kay (63) Vice President Since 1994 500 East Broward Blvd. Suite 2100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394-3091 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice President, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Assistant Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 35 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Vice President and Controller, Keystone Group, Inc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Murray L. Simpson (66) Vice President Since 2000 One Franklin Parkway and Assistant San Mateo, CA Secretary 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Templeton Franklin Investment Services (Asia) Limited (until 2000); and Director, Templeton Asset Management Ltd. (until 1999). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Barbara J. Green (56) Vice President Vice President since 2000 and One Franklin Parkway and Secretary Secretary since 1996 San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Secretary, Templeton Worldwide, Inc.; Secretary, Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Advisory Services, LLC, Franklin Investment Advisory Services, Inc., Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, Franklin Templeton Alternative Strategies, Inc., Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc., Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, and Templeton/Franklin Investment Services, Inc.; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Deputy Director, Division of Investment Management, Executive Assistant and Senior Advisor to the Chairman, Counselor to the Chairman, Special Counsel and Attorney Fellow, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (1986-1995); Attorney, Rogers & Wells (until 1986); and Judicial Clerk, U.S. District Court (District of Massachusetts) (until 1979). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12
Name, Age and Address Position Length of Time Served - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David P. Goss (56) Vice President and Since 2000 One Franklin Parkway Assistant Secretary San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Associate General Counsel, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and director of one of the subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Property Resources Equity Trust (until 1999) and Franklin Select Realty Trust (until 2000). - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael O. Magdol (66) Vice President--AML Compliance Since 2002 600 Fifth Avenue Rockefeller Center New York, NY 10048-0772 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Vice Chairman, Chief Banking Officer and Director, Fiduciary Trust Company International; Director, FTI Banque, Arch Chemicals, Inc. and Lingnan Foundation; and officer and/or director, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 48 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kimberley H. Monasterio (40) Treasurer and Since 2003 One Franklin Parkway Chief Financial Officer San Mateo, CA 94403-1906 Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years: Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; and officer of 51 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments. - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
..ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND The Investment Manager. The Investment Manager of the Fund is Templeton Asset Management Ltd.--Hong Kong Branch, a Singapore company with a branch office at Two Exchange Square, Hong Kong. Pursuant to an investment management agreement, the Investment Manager manages the investment and reinvestment of Fund assets. The Investment Manager is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources. The Administrator. The administrator of the Fund is Franklin Templeton Services, LLC ("FT Services") with offices at 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091. FT Services is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Resources and an affiliate of the Investment Manager. Pursuant to an administration agreement, FT Services performs certain administrative functions for the Fund. The Transfer Agent. The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for the Fund is Mellon Investor Services LLC, 85 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660. 13 The Custodian. The custodian for the Fund is JPMorgan Chase Bank, MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, New York 11245. Other Matters. The Fund's last audited financial statements and annual report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 are available free of charge. To obtain a copy, please call 1-800/DIAL BEN(R) (1-800-342-5236) or forward a written request to Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC, P.O. Box 33030, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733-8030. Principal Shareholders. As of January 2, 2004, the Fund had 17,678,824 shares outstanding and total net assets of $234,585,518.79. The Fund's shares are listed on the NYSE (NYSE: EMF) and on the Pacific Exchange, Inc. From time to time, the number of shares held in "street name" accounts of various securities dealers for the benefit of their clients may exceed 5% of the total shares outstanding. To the knowledge of the Fund's management, as of January 2, 2004, there were no other entities holding beneficially or of record more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding shares.regulatory requirements. In addition to the knowledge of the Fund's management, as of January 2, 2004, no nominee or Trustee of the Fund owned 1% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund,powers and the Trustees and officers of the Fund owned, as a group, less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Contacting the Board of Trustees. If a shareholder wishes to send a communication to the Board of Trustees, such correspondence should be in writing and addressed to the Board of Trustees at the Fund's offices, 500 East Broward Blvd., Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091, Attention: Secretary. The correspondence will then be given to the Board for their review and consideration. ..AUDIT COMMITTEE Audit Committee and Independent Auditors. The Fund's Audit Committee is responsible for recommending the selection of the Fund's independent auditors, including evaluating their independence, and meeting with such auditors to consider and review matters relating to the Fund's financial reports and internal accounting. The Audit Committee also reviews the maintenance of the Fund's records and the safekeeping arrangements of the Fund's custodian. The Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. Millsaps (Chairman), Crothers, Olson and Tseretopoulos, all of whom are Independent Trustees and also are considered to be "independent" as that term is defined by the NYSE's listing standards. Selection of Independent Auditors. Upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board selected the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") as independent auditors of the Fund for the current fiscal year. Representatives of PwC are not expected to be present at the Meeting, but will have the opportunity to make a statement if they wish, and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence. Audit Fees. The aggregate fees paid to PwC for professional services rendered by PwC for the audit of the Fund's annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by PwC in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $18,267 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 and $18,743 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees paid to PwC for assurance and related services by PwC that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Fund's financial statements and not reported under "Audit Fees" above were $921 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 and $275 for the fiscal year ended 14 August 31, 2002. The services for which theses fees were paid included the semi-annual review of shareholder reports, internal control testing and evaluation and services in connection with the Fund's contract renewal. In addition, the Audit Committee pre-approves PwC's engagement for audit-related services with the Investment Manager and certain entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager that provide ongoing services to the Fund, which engagements relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The fees for these services were $426,460 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 and $284,400 for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. Tax Fees. PwC did not render any tax compliance, tax advice or tax planning services for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 or for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. PwC did not render any tax services to the Investment Manager or entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager that provide ongoing services to the Fund, which engagements relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 or for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. All Other Fees. PwC did not bill for other products and services, other than the services reported above, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 or for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. PwC did not render other services to the Investment Manager or certain entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager that provide ongoing services to the Fund, which engagements relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund, for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 or for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Audit Committee has not adopted pre-approval policies and procedures. As a result, all services provided by PwC must be directly pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Aggregate Non-Audit Fees. PwC did not render any non-audit services to the Fund, to the Investment Manager or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investment Manager that provide ongoing services to the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 and or for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. Audit Committee Report. The Board has adopted and approved a formal written charter for the Audit Committee, which sets forth the Audit Committee's responsibilities. A copy of the charter is attached as Exhibit B to this proxy statement. As required by the charter, the Audit Committee reviewed the Fund's audited financial statements and met with management, as well as with PwC, the Fund's independent auditors, to discuss the financial statements. 15 The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from PwC required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1. The Audit Committee also received the report of PwC regarding the results of their audit. In connection with their review of the financial statements and the auditors' report, the members of the Audit Committee discussed with a representative of PwC, their independence, as well as the following: the auditors' responsibilities in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards; the auditors' responsibilities for information prepared by management that accompanies the Fund's audited financial statements and any procedures performed and the results; the initial selection of, and whether there were any changes in, significant accounting policies or their application; management's judgments and accounting estimates; whether there were any significant audit adjustments; whether there were any disagreements with management; whether there was any consultation with other accountants; whether there were any major issues discussed with management prior to the auditors' retention; whether the auditors encountered any difficulties in dealing with management in performing the audit; and the auditors' judgments about the quality of the Fund's accounting principles. Based on its discussions with management and the Fund's auditors, the Audit Committee did not become aware of any material misstatements or omissions in the financial statements. Accordingly, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003 for filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. AUDIT COMMITTEE Fred R. Millsaps (Chairman) Frank J. Crothers Andrew H. Hines, Jr. Frank A. Olson Constantine D. Tseretopoulos ..FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT VOTING AND THE MEETING Solicitation of Proxies. Your vote is being solicited by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The cost of soliciting proxies, including the fees of a proxy soliciting agent, is borne by the Fund. The Fund reimburses brokerage firms and others for their expenses in forwarding proxy material to the beneficial owners and soliciting them to execute proxies. In addition, the Fund may retain a professional proxy solicitation firm to assist with any necessary solicitation of proxies. The Fund expects that the solicitation would be primarily by mail, but may also include telephone, facsimile, electronic or other means of communication. If the Fund does not receive your proxy by a certain time you may receive a telephone call from a proxy soliciting agent asking you to vote. If professional proxy solicitors are retained, it is expected that soliciting fees would be approximately $5,000, plus expenses. The Fund does not reimburse Trustees and officers of the Fund, or regular employees and agents of the Investment Manager involved in the solicitation of proxies. The Fund intends to pay all costs associated with the solicitation and the Meeting. Voting by Broker-Dealers. The Fund expects that, before the Meeting, broker-dealer firms holding shares of the Fund in "street name" for their customers will request voting instructions from their customers and beneficial owners. If these instructions are not received by the date specified in the broker-dealer firms' proxy solicitation materials, the Fund understands that NYSE Rules permit the broker-dealers to vote on the Proposal 16 on behalf of their customers and beneficial owners. Certain broker-dealers may exercise discretion over shares held in their name for which no instructions are received by voting these shares in the same proportion as they vote shares for which they received instructions. Quorum. A majority of the shares entitled to vote--present in person or represented by proxy--constitutes a quorum at the Meeting. The shares over which broker-dealers have discretionary voting power, the shares that represent "broker non-votes" (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees as to which (i) instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and (ii) the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power on a particular matter), and the shares whose proxies reflect an abstention on any item will all be counted as shares present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether the required quorum of shares exists. Method of Tabulation. The Proposal to elect Trustees requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the Fund's shares present and voting on the Proposal at the Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be treated as votes present at the Meeting, but will not be treated as votes cast. Abstentions and broker non-votes, therefore, will have no effect on the Proposal. Adjournment. The Chairman of the Board, the presiding officer of the Fund for the Meeting, and the holders of a majority of the shares present (in person or by proxy) and entitled to vote at the Meeting, each may adjourn the Meeting. Such authority to adjourn the Meeting may be used in the event that a quorum is not present at the Meeting or, in the event that a quorum is present but sufficient votes have not been received to approve the Proposal, or for any other reason consistent with Delaware law and the Fund's By-Laws, including to allow for the further solicitation of proxies. The persons designated as proxies may use their discretionary authority to vote as instructed by management of the Fund on questions of adjournment and on any other proposals raised at the meeting to the extent permitted by the SEC's proxy rules, including proposals for which management of the Fund did not have timely notice, as set forth in the SEC's proxy rules and the Fund's proxy statement for the 2003 annual meeting. Shareholder Proposals. The Fund anticipates that its next annual meeting will be held on or about February 25, 2005. A shareholder who wishes to submit a proposal for consideration for inclusion in the Fund's proxy statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must send such written proposal to the Fund's offices at 500 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091, Attention: Secretary, so that it is received no later than September 22, 2004 in order to be included in the Fund's proxy statement and proxy card relating to that meeting and presented at the meeting. A shareholder of the Fund who has not submitted a written proposal for inclusion in the Fund's proxy statement by September 22, 2004, as described above, may nonetheless present a proposal at the Fund's 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders if such shareholder notifies the Fund at the Fund's offices, of such proposal not earlier than September 28, 2004 and not later than October 28, 2004. If a shareholder fails to give notice within these dates, then the matter shall not be eligible for consideration at the shareholders' meeting. If, notwithstanding the effect of the foregoing notice provisions, a shareholder proposal is acted upon at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the persons designated as proxy holders for proxies solicited by the Board of Trustees for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders may exercise discretionary voting power with respect to any shareholder proposal not received by the Fund at the Fund's offices by December 6, 2004. A shareholder proposal may be presented at the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders only if such proposal concerns a matter that may be properly brought before the meeting under applicable federal proxy rules and state law. 17 In addition to the requirementsduties set forth above, a shareholder must comply with the following: 1. A shareholder intending to present a proposal must (i) be entitled to vote at the meeting; (ii) comply with the notice procedures set forth in this proxy statement; and (iii) have been a shareholder of record at the time the shareholder's notice was received by the Fund. 2. Each notice regarding nominations for the election of Trustees shall set forth (i) the name, age, business address and, if known, residence address of each nominee proposed in such notice; (ii) the principal occupation or employment of each such nominee; (iii) the number of outstanding shares of the Fund which are beneficially owned by each such nominee; and (iv) all such other information regarding each such nominee that would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC, had each such nominee been nominated by the Trustees of the Fund. In addition, the shareholder making such nomination shall promptly provide any other information reasonably requested by the Fund. 3. Each notice regarding business proposals shall set forth as to each matter: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Fund's books, of the shareholder proposing such business; (iii) the number of outstanding shares of the Fund which are beneficially owned by the shareholder; (iv) any material interest of the shareholder in such business; and (v) all such other information regarding each such matter that would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC, had each such matter been proposed by the Trustees of the Fund. Submission of a proposal by a shareholder does not guarantee that the proposal will be included in the Fund's proxy statement or presented at the meeting. By Order of the Board of Trustees, Barbara J. Green Secretary January 20, 2004 18 EXHIBIT A NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER I. The Committee. The Nominating Committee (the "Committee") is a committee of, and established by, the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund (the "Board"). The Committee consists of such number of members as set by the Board from time to time and its members shall be selected by the Board. The Committee shall be comprised entirely of "independent members." For purposes of this Charter, independent members shall mean members who are not interested persons of the Fund ("Disinterested Board members") as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). II. Board Nominations and Functions. 1. The Committee shall make recommendations for nominations for Disinterested Board members on the Board to the incumbent Disinterested Board members and to the full Board. The Committee shall evaluate candidates' qualifications for Board membership and the independence of such candidates from the Fund's investment manager and other principal service providers. Persons selected must be independent in terms of both the letter and the spirit of the 1940 Act. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, e.g., business, financial or family relationships with investment managers or service providers. 2. The Committee also shall evaluate candidates' qualifications and make recommendations for "interested" members on the Board to the full Board. 3. The Committee may adopt from time to time specific, minimum qualifications that the Committee believes a candidate must meet before being considered as a candidate for Board membership and shall comply with any rules adopted from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding investment company nominating committees and the nomination of persons to be considered as candidates for Board membership. 4. The Committee shall review shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board if such recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Committee at the Fund's offices. The Committee shall adopt, by resolution, a policy regarding its procedures for considering candidates for the Board, including any recommended by shareholders. III. Committee Nominations and Functions. 1. The Committee shall make recommendations to the full Board for nomination for membership on all committees of the Board. 2. The Committee shall review as necessary the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the full Board. A-1 3. The Committee shall, on an annual basis, review the performance of the Disinterested Board members. IV. Other Powers and Responsibilities. 1. The Committee shall meet at least twice each year or more frequently in open or executive sessions. The Committee may invite members of management, counsel, advisers and others to attend its meetings as it deems appropriate. The Committee shall have separate sessions with management and others, as and when it deems appropriate. 2. The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Fund. 3. The Committee shall report its activities to the Board and make such recommendations as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate. 4. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Committee. The action of a majority of the members of the Committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Committee. The Committee may meet in person or by telephone, and the Committee may act by written consent, to the extent permitted by law and by the Fund's by-laws. In the event of any inconsistency between this Charter and the Fund's organizational documents, the provisions of the Fund's organizational documents shall be given precedence. 5. The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board. ADDITIONAL STATEMENT FOR CLOSED-END FUNDS ONLY The Committee shall comply with any rules of any stock exchange, if any, applicable to nominating committees of closed-end funds whose shares are registered thereon. A-2 EXHIBIT B AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER I. The Committee. The Audit Committee ("Committee") is a committee of, and established by, the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund (the "Board"). The Committee shall consist of such number of members as set by the Board from time to time and its members shall be selected by the Board. The Committee shall be comprised entirely of "independent" members, as defined in Item 3(a)(2) of SEC Form N-CSR ("Disinterested Board members"). Members shall be financially literate. At least one member of the Committee shall be designated by the Board as an "audit committee financial expert," as defined in Item 3(b) of SEC Form N-CSR, unless the Board determines that the Fund does not have an audit committee financial expert on the Committee. II. Purposes of the Committee. The function of the Committee is to be directly responsible for overseeing the Fund's accounting and auditing processes, which shall include the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the Fund's independent auditors ("auditors") engaged (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Fund. It is management's responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and internal controls. It is the auditors' responsibility to plan and carry out a proper audit and to report directly to the Committee. Consistent with such allocation of functions, the purposes of the Committee are: (a) To oversee the Fund's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and its internal controls, and to obtain, where it deems appropriate, reports on internal controls of service providers to the Fund; (b) To oversee the quality and objectivity of the Fund's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) To act as a liaison between the Fund's independent auditors and the Board; and (d) To consider such other matters as it deems appropriate in carrying out its purpose and any other matters that may be assigned to it by the Board. In addition, the Committee shall serve as the Fund's Qualified Legal Compliance Committee ("QLCC") pursuant to Section 205 of the SEC's Standards of Professional Conduct for Attorneys (the "Standards"). In this capacity, the Committee is required to adopt and maintain written procedures for the confidential receipt, retention and consideration of any report of evidence of a material violation. "Evidence of a material violation" means credible evidence, based upon which it would be unreasonable, under the circumstances, for a prudent and competent attorney not to conclude that it is reasonably likely that a material violation of an applicable U.S. federal or state securities law, a material breach of fiduciary (or similar duty) to the Fund arising under U.S. federal or state law, or a similar material violation of any U.S. federal or state law has occurred, is ongoing, or is about to occur. B-1 III. Powers and Duties. The Committee shall have the following powers and duties to carry out its purposes: (a) To select the auditors, subject to approval both by the Boardobtain and byreview a separate vote of the Disinterested Board members, and, in connection therewith, to evaluate the independence of the auditors in accordance with applicable law. (b) To be directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by, and the compensation of, the auditors, including: (i) pre-approval of all audit and audit related services; (ii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fund by the auditors; (iii)pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fundreport by the auditors, to the Fund's investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Fund's investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the Fund where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the Fund; and (iv) establishment by the Committee, if deemed necessary or appropriate, as an alternative to Committee pre-approval of services to be provided by the auditors, as required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, of policies and procedures to permit such services to be pre-approved by other means, such as through establishment of guidelines or by action of a designated member or members of the Committee; provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and the Committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of audit committee responsibilities, as contemplated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to management; subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules. (c) To meet with the auditors, including private meetings, as necessary toat least annually, describing: (i) review the arrangements for and scope of the annual audit and any special audits; (ii) discuss any matters or concerns relating to the Fund's financial statements, including any recorded and/or unrecorded adjustments to such statements recommended by the auditors, or other results of audits; (iii) consider the auditors' comments with respect to the Fund's financial policies, procedures and internal controls and management's responses thereto; and (iv) to review the form of opinion the auditors propose to render. (d) To receive and consider reports from the auditors: (i) as required by generally accepted accounting standards; and (ii) annually and by update as required by SEC Regulation S-X, regarding: (w) all critical accounting policies and practices of the Fund to be used; (x) alternative treatments within generally accepted accounting principles for policies and practices related to material items that have been discussed with management of the Fund, including ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the auditors; (y) other material written communications between the auditors and management of the Fund, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences; and (z) all non-audit services provided to any entity in an investment company complex, as defined in SEC Regulation S-X, that were not pre-approved by the Committee pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X. (e) To consider the effect upon the Fund of any changes in accounting principles or practices proposed by management or the auditors. B-2 (f) To investigate improprieties or suspected improprieties in Fund operations. (g) In considering the independence of the auditors, to request from the auditors a written statement, and other reports as necessary, describing allAll relationships between the auditors and the Fund, the Fund's investment adviser, and service providers, and other entities advised or serviced by, including any entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with,affiliate of the investment adviser or any other service providersthat provides ongoing services to the Fund; to obtain and consider periodic reports from(ii) Any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the auditors, regarding whetheror by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditors' independence; and to request frompreceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and (iii) The auditors' internal quality-control procedures; (b) To discuss generally, to the extent the Fund issues any earnings press releases or any financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies, any such releases or information and guidance; (c) To discuss in a certificate that they are independent auditors undergeneral manner, as either part of the Federal securities lawsfull Board or as a Committee, the Fund's processes with respect to risk assessment and are in compliance with all standards adopted by the Independence Standards Board. (h)risk management; (d) To review the experience and qualificationsapprove, as either part of the senior membersfull Board or as a Committee, clear policies relating to the hiring by entities within Franklin Templeton Investments of employees or former employees of the auditors' team and the quality control proceduresauditors; (e) To evaluate, as either part of the auditors.full Board or as a Committee, its performance at least annually; and (f) Upon appointment of a member (i) To require that the auditors regularly provide timely information to the Committee with respect to new rules and pronouncements by applicable regulatory and accounting standards agencies, along with an explanation of how such developments may affect the Fund's financial statements and accounting principles and practices. (j) To review, at such times and in the manner deemed appropriate by the Committee, the results of the annual audit and financial statements, and the report of the auditors' audit of the Fund's annual financial statements, including footnotes and any significant audit findings. (k) To consider management's evaluation of the Fund's disclosure controls and procedures in connection with certifications of the Fund's Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer concerning (i) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Fund's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the Fund's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Fund's internal controls, and for any other purposes the Committee deems appropriate. (l) To inform the chief legal officer ("CLO") and chief executive officer ("CEO") of the Fund (or the equivalents thereof) of any report of evidence of a material violation by the Fund, its officers, directors/trustees, employees (if any), or agents (collectively, "affiliates"). (m) To determine whether an investigation is necessary regarding any report of evidence of a material violation by the Fund or it affiliates. (n) If the Committee determines such an investigation is necessary or appropriate, (i) to notify the Board; (ii) to initiate an investigation, which may be conducted by either the CLOaudit committee of another public company, who simultaneously serves on the audit committees of three or by outside attorneys; and (iii)more public companies, to retain such additional expert personnel as the Committee deems necessary to assist in the investigation. (o) At the conclusion of any such investigation, (i) to recommend by a majority vote, that the Fund implement an appropriate response (as defined in Section 205.2(b) of the Standards) to evidence of a material violation, and (ii) to inform the CLO and the CEO andrequest the Board ofto determine that such simultaneous service would not impair the resultsability of such investigation andmember to effectively serve on the appropriate remedial measures to be adopted. (p) Acting by majority vote, to take all other appropriate action, including the authority to notify the SEC in the event the Fund fails in any material respect to implement an appropriate response that the Committee has recommended the Fund to take. B-3 (q) To otherwise respond to evidence of a material violation. IV. Other Functions and Procedures of the Committee. (a) The Committee shall meet at least twice each year or more frequently, in open or executive sessions. The Committee shall meet as frequently as circumstances require with (i) the auditors as provided in III (c), above; and (ii) management's internal audit department to review and discuss internal audit functions and reports. The Committee may invite members of management, the auditors, counsel, advisers and others to attend its meetings as it deems appropriate. The Committee shall have separate sessions with the auditors, management and others, as and when it deems appropriate. (b) The Committee shall establish procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Fund or the Fund's adviser regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or accounting matters; and (ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Fund or the Fund's adviser of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. (c) The Committee shall have the authority to engage special counsel, experts and advisers as and when it determines necessary to carry out its duties and the Fund must provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Committee, for payment of (i) compensation to any auditors engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Fund; (ii) compensation to any advisers employed by the Committee; and (iii) ordinary administrative expenses of the Committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties. (d) The Committee shall have unrestricted access to the Fund's management and management of the Fund's adviser, including, but not limited to, their chief executive officer(s), chief financial officer(s), internal auditors and any other executives and financial officers. (e) The Committee shall report its activities to the Board and make such recommendations as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate. (f) The Committee shall review this Charter annually, or more frequently if it chooses, and recommend any changes to the Board. ADDITIONAL STATEMENT FOR CLOSED-END FUNDS ONLY The Committee shall comply with such other rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to closed-end funds, including (i) the preparation of the Audit Committee Disclosure Report requiredas such may be adopted and amended from time to be included in the Fund's annual proxy statement; and (ii) the review and discussion of Fund financial statements and management policies in accordance with applicable Corporate Governance Rules of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. B-4time. B-6 TLEMF PROXY 01/0405 TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS - FEBRUARY 27, 200425, 2005 The undersigned hereby revokes all previous proxies for his/her shares and appoints BARBARA J. GREEN, ROBERT C. ROSSELOT and LORI A. WEBER, and each of them, proxies of the undersigned with full power of substitution to vote all shares of Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (the "Fund") that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Fund's Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") to be held at 500 East Broward Blvd.,Boulevard, 12th Floor, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394 at 10:00 a.m.,12 Noon Eastern time, on the 27th25th day of February, 2004,2005, including any postponements or adjournments thereof, upon the matters set forth below and instructs them to vote upon any matters that may properly be acted upon at the Meeting. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. IT WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY SHALL BE VOTEDThis Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Trustees. It will be voted as specified. If no specification is made, this Proxy shall be voted FOR THE PROPOSAL (INCLUDING ALL NOMINEES FOR TRUSTEE)the Proposal (including all nominees for trustee). IF ANY OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING TO BE VOTED ON, THE PROXY HOLDERS WILL VOTE, ACT AND CONSENT ON THOSE MATTERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VIEWS OF MANAGEMENT.If any other matters properly come before the Meeting to be voted on, the proxy holders will vote, act and consent on those matters in accordance with the views of management. (CONTINUED, AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE OTHER SIDE) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOLD AND DETACH HERE You can now access your TEMPLETON EMERGING MARKETS FUND account online. Access your Fund account online via Investor ServiceDirect(R) (ISD). Mellon Investor Services LLC, Transfer Agent for the Fund, now makes it easy and convenient to get current information on your shareholder account. o View account status o Make address changes o View certificate history o Obtain a duplicate 1099 tax form o View book-entry information o Establish/change your PIN o View payment history for dividends Visit us on the web at http://www.melloninvestor.com For technical assistance call 1-877-978-7778 between 9am-7pm Monday-Friday, Eastern time Investor ServiceDirect(R) is a registered trademark of Mellon Investor Services LLC PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE AS INDICATED IN THIS EXAMPLE [X] THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTEThe Board of Trustees unanimously recommends a vote FOR THE PROPOSAL.the Proposal. Proposal - Election of TrusteesTrustees. FOR all nominees WITHHOLD Nominees: 01 Harmon E. Burns,Harris J. Ashton, 02 Charles B. JohnsonFrank J. Crothers, listed (except as AUTHORITY 03 Frank A. OlsonS. Joseph Fortunato and 04 Constantine D. TseretopoulosEdith E. Holiday marked to the right) to vote for all nominees listed [ ] [ ] TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, WRITE THAT NOMINEE'S NAME ON THE LINE BELOW. ------------------------------------------------------------
I PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING. YES NO [ ] [ ] SIGNATURE(S): DATED: , 20042005 ------------------------------------------ ----------- Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy. If signing for estates, trusts or corporations, title or capacity should be stated. If shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOLD AND DETACH HERE Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week Internet and telephone voting are available through 11:59 pm Eastern time the day prior to annual meeting day. Your internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. |------------------------------| |--------------------| |----------------| | Internet | | Telephone | | Mail | |http://www.proxyvoting.com/emf| | 1-866-540-5760 | | | | | | | |Mark, sign and | |Use the Internet to vote your | OR | Use any touch-tone | OR |date your proxy | |proxy. Have your proxy card | | telephone to vote | |card and return | |in hand when you access the | | your proxy. Have | |it in the | |web site. | | your proxy card in | |enclosed | | | | hand when you call.| |postage-paid | | | | | |envelope. | |------------------------------| |--------------------| |----------------| If you vote your proxy by Internet or telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.