[ID:0510]Although crystal ball gazing lies beyond the scope of this book, it is easy to believe that the coming century belongs to the Asia Pacific region. Even with the economic correction and sharp decline of some Asian currencies in late 1997, economic activity is expected to thrive for years to come. Countries that were developing nations a decade ago are now tigers of growth. China, with 1.2 billion people, has lifted many trade and investment restrictions, as has Vietnam. Places such as Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and, of course, Japan, support a standard of living comparable to that of many European countries.

Thanks to an expanding basic infrastructure, business also continues to evolve in many countries. In Thailand, a huge freeway system in Bangkok as well as two oil refineries have been built. The world's tallest office building is now in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A frequent business traveler to Southeast Asia says he is reminded of what North American cities were like in the 1950s, with construction on every corner.

The term Asia Pacific commonly includes the...