The subregion's current financial crisis represents a significant setback in long-term efforts to strengthen trade and investment linkages between U.S. and Asian businesses that benefit U.S. workers, businesses, and consumers. These social and economic consequences also threaten political stability. The needs of the poor are being addressed through programs that strengthen microenterprise finance institutions, transfer improved technologies and practices to business and agriculture, and strengthen civil society. The Asian financial crisis has created opportunities for programs that improve transparency and accountability in government and private institutions, strengthen NGOs, and make governments more responsive to citizen needs. East Asia s rapidly expanding economies fueled by industrialization and large populations have led to sprawling urbanization and placed tremendous pressure on the subregion s forests and coastal and ocean resources.
Most countries today face extensive loss of natural habitats and plant and animal species.
Severe air, water and land pollution threatens health and contributes to global warming. The Asian financial crisis has seriously eroded these governments' abilities to respond to social issues, including family planning and maternal child health. The more serious threat is the exponential growth of HIV, especially in Cambodia and Vietnam. Other significant bilateral donors in the region include Australia, Germany, and United Kingdom. However, partnering with other donors to deliver timely and appropriate assistance is not without problems.