Keep Your Eye on Asia

Decades-old economic and trade philosophies are changing all of Asia. WTO membership has given China reason to relax some of its previously restrictive policies that have prevented foreign investment and trade. The Chinese populace is moving inexorably toward a free-market (and consumerist) mentality that can only increase opportunities for those who get in early and ride the swells and troughs. Japan is finally considering bilateral trade agreements with other nations. Such free-trade agreements could mean easier entry into the domestic Japanese consumer goods market for companies manufacturing there for domestic consumption, as well as for companies exporting to Japan. Economic statistics for many Asian countries are included.