The twenty-first century has already been dubbed the Asian century. Although this nomination may be premature, it is certain that its fi rst decade belongs to Asia. This is reflected in all the major indicators. During 2001–06, real GDP in emerging Asia (EMA) increased by an average of 8.2 percent per annum, almost twice the 4.2 percent global average. Global nominal GDP increased by about 50 percent over this period, to $48.2 billion, while EMA Asia GDP expanded by 82.6 percent, rising from 10.7 percent to 13.5 percent of global GDP.