To help protect Minnesota's strong export standing, the state is taking steps to ensure the economy pulls through relatively unscathed. It's the governor's decision about how much risk he thinks is appropriate for the state. As exporters wait to see if the funds will be enough, Cargill is remaining optimistic. The company is confident its long-term relationships with Asia will remain sound, Tai said. In the long run it looks good.
Most analysts agree, but it is the short term that is the immediate concern.
The remainder of 1998 will show how extensive the impacts will be. For now, financial backing from the U.S. government and the International Monetary Fund, and a slow market restructuring could help change Asia's economic course. Tilstra hopes the efforts are successful, but acknowledges outside help alone will not be enough. But an artificially stabilized economy is not the answer.