Encompassing China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong this is the largest and fastest emerging economy in the world. The second largest industrial economy, Asia is easily one of the most fascinating continents for conducting global business. Not only have Asian countries emerged as strong global competitors, they also represent huge, emerging markets and manufacturing bases for global businesses. The vast cultural differences sometimes cause difficulties for American and other foreign firms that seek to conduct business in Asia. In this course, the focus will be on the dynamic economies in Asia---the emerging China, the maturing South Korea and the renewing Japan---which represent a unique set of diverse opportunities for global business and hence for hands-on learning about today's rapidly changing global economy.

The tour component of the May 2004 course will include many visits to companies in Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul. Some of these companies may include a broad cross-section of local and U.S. multinational businesses such as:

CHASE Financial (manufacturing facilities)
General Motors
Kao Consumer Products
Richina Capital a venture capital firm
Eisai Ltd. a pharmaceutical company
Locus telecommunication manufacturing facility
Intel Technology Ltd.
Seoul National University

Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry METI-- the Japanese government agency may also be visited. A representative of the Economist may speak to the class about the region during the trip.

Additionally, some of the cultural site visits and activities may include a trip to the Great Wall of China, dinner at a local Japanese sushi house, or a boat trip to Macao. Singing at a karaoke bar and other nighttime activities may highlight this trip as it has in years past. Join classmates for on one of the most popular GATE programs!

Faculty:
Francis de Vericourt

Pranab Majumder

Student Coordinators:
James Haines

Rich Tse

Library resources for East Asia