Foreign investors bring in needed skills and technology to move economies up the value-added ladder. In short, Asia needs them. More, they nudge liberalization forward. The North-South Highway built during that time, stretching from the Thai border to Singapore, has spurred investment along that corridor. Asia needs more new and improved infrastructure.
Manila can profit from a better defence against floods.
The list goes on, from more phone lines to cleaner drinking water. But then, that's a caution in all areas. Asia has an opportunity to better attract long-term investment. Now would be the time to put savings to use for the future. Animal-Rights Advocates Imperialists in sheep's clothing B rigitte Bardot won no Asian convert to her cause last week.