Where Is Asia Heading? Trends and Issues for Regional Integration and

● East Asia has achieved more economic growth and reduced poverty faster than any other region of the world over the past two decades—which has been partially realised by market integration via globalisation and regional economic integration. ● Much of the area has experienced growing inequality in income distribution, a sign that the current development model is neither equitable nor inclusive. Partly to blame is the current mode of economic development, which tends to favour the owners of capital over the labourers, as well as coastal cities over rural inland areas. ● High economic growth has been linked with serious environmental problems— booming carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and resource/material consumption. Severe air pollution, water scarcity and deforestation are also rife. ● The current development paradigm in East Asia, i.e., economic growth and market integration, will only aggravate socio-environmental risks of increased inequality and environmental degradation. ● Countries can more effectively address such risks through pursuing regional integration centred on sustainable development