First published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The HSBC Bank Canada Papers on Asia series was begun in 1995 to examine Canada's relationship with the East Asian economies and to reduce the information barriers resulting from distance and unfamiliarity in these markets. Six years on from the inception of the series, much has changed in the international environment. The Asian economies suffered a significant crash, a rapid rebound, only to slow again in 2000-2001. This, the sixth and last volume in the series, looks to the future. This new volume focuses on key issues facing the region that corporations and governments should understand, including East Asian regionalization initiatives, obstacles to continued rapid growth in China, aging and pension reform, and the changing security environment. In addition, the Canadian business performance six years on is re-evaluated.

With contributions from leading scholars intimately familiar with both Canadian and East Asian business practices, these volumes are an indispensable resource for corporations and governments looking to expand their business into East Asia, or for anyone who wants to better understand Canada's complex relationship with the Asian countries.

This volume examines how foreign firms, which are entering or operating in various Asian countries, have responded to the obstacles and opportunities which were identified in the preceding volumes of this series. There is an overview chapter and seven case studies of Canadian and American-based businesses.

The studies cover a variety of sectors such as telecommunication, finance, and engineering services. The authors highlight a range of issues that have to be resolved when operating in particular countries. The outcome of the bargaining process on entry into another country, for example, or the approach taken in personnel relations, can be critical to success or failure.

This volume is the third in a series that examines Canada's economic relationships with the countries of East Asia. The purpose of this volume is to illuminate the links among the peoples of the region that Canadians needs to understand when doing business abroad or cooperating with East Asians in North America. The book's six papers examine the role of culture in institutional similarities and differences, both within East Asia and between East Asia and the west, the impact immigrants have on the receiving economy, the role of education and human capital in economic growth, and the role international linkages like trade, investment, cooperation and immigration play in the spread of knowledge.