Growing Economies and Cities in Asia: From Comparative and Historical Viewpoints

Abstract

Asia is the most populated region in the world. The Asian economy has been growing for more than 50 years after the war with "the flying geese pattern" and oriented by market and export. The Asian continent and the surrounding archipelagos were connected by sea routes which have been expanding since the early civilizations in Asia. Asia formed a solid network over Asia through sea and river routes connecting port cities located at river mouths from the medieval age. Asian port cities were prosperous and played an important role as cultural and trade hubs to exchange cultural and trade powers from the continent and from the world outside Asia. The port cities played a critical role in connecting the inland civilization and the overseas civilization. Such historical path formed the current location of Asian megacities. Asia is now experiencing "rapid urbanization" and "rapid aging society" four times faster than those experienced in western countries. Besides, high population growth in flood prone areas will continue so that a higher risk will emerge in coastal port cities in Asia together with the risks associated with global climate changes. Therefore, Asian megacities are facing uncountable problems and challenges in all aspects of urban governance and management.