Regional Assessment Asia

Essay by CerberusUniversity, Master'sA+, June 2006

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Wikipedia, an internet encyclopedia source, defines globalization as "a social change, an increased connectivity among societies due to transculturation; the explosive evolution of transport and communication technologies to facilitate international cultural and economic exchange" (Wikipedia, 2006). In other words, globalization pertains to the connectivity that allows businesses around the world to interact thus move beyond domestic markets to other markets around the globe. A major influence on moving towards a global economy has been progressive trend toward the use of regional economic integration agreements. According to the text it "refers to the merging of historically distinct and separate national markets into one huge global marketplace. Falling barriers to cross-border trade have made it easier to sell internationally" These agreements are being touted as not just promoting spurs in economic growth and development, but also as an influencer in negotiating peace amongst the various people in the regions as well as across the globe.

Asia is the world's largest continent covers approx 17.139 million square miles. Its inhabitants also make it the most populous with approximately sixty percent of the world's total population (Wikipedia, 2006). The culture and industries of Asia differ vastly throughout the various regions of the continent. Asia's economy lies primarily in agriculture. Asian countries with smaller populations such as Thailand and Vietnam are major exporters of agricultural crops such as rice, wheat, soybeans, tea, and other items. However, although producing some crops, countries with larger populations and access to power supplies, modernized transportation for people and goods, as well as access to raw materials such as lumber are more industrialized. For instance, due in part to Japanese investments in plants and cheap labor, the economy in countries such as Thailand and Singapore are booming at a steady pace. Additionally, the creation of railroad lines, linking the countries...