Globalization and Development in the Mekong Economies (Electronic book text)

'The book will provide good source material for political and economic university courses in development and is an important addition to the bookshelf for both academics and professionals interested in and/or working the Mekong region.' - Herb Thompson, Journal of Contemporary Asia. 'A very topical book.' - Organiser Weekly. Since the late 1980s, Vietnam, Cambodia, PDR Lao, and Myanmar have been opening their economies to international trade and investment. With the exception of Myanmar, the reforms have yielded impressive results, but the process is far from complete. In this enlightening book, a group of leading scholars outline the continuing reform efforts needed to survive the current global recession and place these economies in a competitive position on the recovery of the world economy. In the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2008, this topical book analyses the opportunities and threats to continued globalization for the Mekong 4, particularly in relation to rapid industrialization through joining the production networks of East Asia. It then assesses the political will for sustaining the reform process. This book will be an important resource for national government agencies, such as the department of foreign affairs and aid agencies that have significant bilateral relationships with the Mekong 4 - namely, Australia, Canada, Japan, Scandinavia, and the USA. International financial institutions that have existing (or potential) business links with the Mekong 4 as well as universities with courses in development economics will warmly welcome this book.