We can expect that those measures will be specific, realistic and possible to achieve in the next three to six years. These directives, in the economic area, will be their mandate to their governments and their commitment to their peoples. An agreement on facilitating goods in transit is expected to be signed. The leaders are expected to approve measures to cushion the social impact of the crisis, protect the environment from the heightened threat posed by the crisis, and develop people's skills to prepare them for a fast-changing market. The meetings with all three Northeast Asian leaders and with each of them in turn will be of great importance to the future of our region.
China is a rising force in the regional and the global economy.
Already, perceptions of the region's economic prospects and potential are less pessimistic than they were before. Creeping Confidence There are three reasons for this creeping confidence. Some are doing it in partnership with the IMF, others on their own. Finance ministers and officials are coordinating their moves where appropriate. Already, these efforts are starting to show results.