Asian interdependence key to surviving recession

Japan is the world's second largest economy and is looking to assume a leadership role during the current global financial crisis.

Aside from keeping its own economy in order, Japan has urged its Asian neighbors to boost financial cooperation and maintain existing regional development initiatives. Japan is among the many countries that view Asia as a vital contributor to growth for its companies during this current global economic downturn.

According to figures from the International Monetary Fund, China is now the world's fourth largest economy, behind the USA, Japan and Germany. Figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics, show that China's gross domestic product grew by 9.9 percent in the first three quarters of 2008, confirming its role as one of the chief drivers of economic growth and underlining its importance as one of Japan's most important trading partners.