ASU Center on Asian and Pacific Rim Trade and Economic Development

[conceptualization phase]

Recent decades have witnessed the emergence of the Asian and Pacific Rim economies as a powerful force in the global economy. Increased trade with Asia and the desire to promote economic development in Arizona through globalization suggests the need for the proposed Center on Asian and Pacific Rim Trade and Economic Development. Given the growing importance of these economies, it is essential to develop a sophisticated understanding in economic terms as well as socially and culturally.

When one considers Arizona’s global connections, its proximity to Latin America suggests an economic orientation southward, and we are indeed advancing teaching and research in this direction through our Pan-American Initiative. Metropolitan Phoenix, however, is one of the largest American cities located near the Pacific Rim. As metropolitan Phoenix diversifies its economy, and in particular its high-tech base, increased trade with Asia is both inevitable and desirable. Through the center we can broaden opportunities in technology transfer and promote industrial research collaborations. The economic prosperity of our region may be tied to Asia and the Pacific Rim as well as Latin America.