Asian Integration means different Asian countries working together to improve trade, economy,
infrastructure, culture, and security. It helps nations become more connected and benefit from each
other.
Now here are some aspects that will into this what we call Asian integration
We have 6 and let’s discuss first the first which is the:
Market driven integration-
What is Market-Driven Integration?
Market-driven means something is controlled by what people want and need in the market. In
simple terms, businesses and countries sell what people demand and buy what they lack.
Market-driven integration happens when different countries in Asia work together by trading goods,
services, and labor based on supply and demand. Countries do not just produce everything on their
own—they specialize in what they are good at and exchange it with others.
Expanding the Definition from the Slide
“A variety of systems, institutions, procedures, social relations, and infrastructures” → This
means countries set up rules and systems to make trade and work easier. Example: Agreements
that allow Filipino workers to be hired in Japan or Korea.
“Engage in exchange” → This refers to the buying and selling of products, services, or labor
across different Asian countries.
Why Does This Happen?
Some countries are better at producing certain products (e.g., Thailand is good at making food
products, Vietnam at textiles).
Some countries need more workers (e.g., Japan has an aging population and needs nurses, so
they hire Filipinos).
Trade and labor exchange help economies grow faster.
Examples of Market-Driven Integration in Asia
1. Filipino Workers in Japan, China, and South Korea
o Japan has more elderly people but fewer young workers. The Philippines has many
trained nurses and caregivers. Because Japan needs them, they hire Filipino healthcare
workers.
o South Korea and China also hire Filipino teachers and factory workers because they
need skilled labor.
2. Thailand Exporting Grocery Products
o Thailand is known for producing high-quality food products like instant noodles, snacks,
and canned goods.
o These products are exported to convenience stores in the Philippines and other Asian
countries because there is a demand for them.
3. Vietnam and Indonesia Selling Bags and Clothes
o Big brands like Nike and Adidas manufacture their products in Vietnam and Indonesia
because labor is cheaper, and they have many textile factories.
o These items are then sold in stores across Asia, including in the Philippines.
Why is Market-Driven Integration Important?
More choices for consumers → People can buy different products from other countries.
More job opportunities → Workers can get jobs in other countries where they are needed.
Stronger economies → Countries earn money from exports and trade.
In Short:
Market-driven integration is when countries in Asia trade and exchange workers based on supply
and demand. They focus on what they are good at, then sell it or hire from other countries to meet
their needs. 🚀
Next we have:
Establishment of formal institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
What is the Asian Development Bank (ADB)?
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a financial institution that helps Asian countries grow and
improve their economies by providing loans, grants, and technical assistance.
It was created in the 1960s to support social and economic development in Asia. At first, it mainly
helped with agriculture and rural development, but today, it funds projects in areas like
infrastructure, healthcare, education, and disaster relief.
Breaking Down the Definition from the Slide
“Promotes social and economic development in Asia” → ADB helps countries build schools,
hospitals, roads, and power plants to improve people’s lives and grow economies.
“Composed of 67 members, 48 from the Asia-Pacific region” → Many countries, including the
Philippines, are members. These countries contribute money to ADB, which is then used to help
nations in need.
“Aids its members by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments” →
ADB lends money and provides expert advice to help countries develop.
Real-Life Examples of ADB’s Help
1. Metro Manila Subway Project (Philippines)
o ADB is helping fund the first-ever subway in the Philippines to reduce traffic in Metro
Manila.
2. Typhoon Yolanda Recovery
o After Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, ADB gave the Philippines a $500 million loan
to rebuild homes and infrastructure.
3. COVID-19 Response
o ADB provided funds to buy vaccines and strengthen healthcare systems in Asian
countries, including the Philippines.
Why is ADB Important?
Helps poor countries grow by funding important projects.
Provides loans and grants to countries during disasters and crises.
Supports economic development so people can have better jobs, education, and healthcare.
In Short:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is like a financial helper that gives money and support to Asian
countries so they can develop and improve the lives of their people. 🌏💰
Number 3 we have
Availability of economic grants and overseas development assistance
by better Asian economies.
What is the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)?
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is a government
agency from Japan that helps other countries develop and improve
their economies. It provides grants, technical assistance, and economic
aid to support socio-economic growth, disaster recovery, and human
security in developing regions.
Breaking Down the Definition from the Slide
"Aims to work on human security and quality growth" → JICA helps
countries improve safety, healthcare, and living conditions so that
people can have a better quality of life.
"Promote international cooperation" → JICA partners with other
countries, like the Philippines, to work on projects that benefit both
nations.
"Supports the socio-economic development, recovery, or economic
stability of developing regions" → JICA helps countries rebuild after
disasters, grow their economies, and improve infrastructure like
roads, bridges, and schools.
Real-Life Examples of JICA’s Help
1. MRT-3 Rehabilitation (Philippines)
o JICA helped fund and repair the MRT-3 train system to make
transportation in Metro Manila faster and safer.
2. Disaster Relief and Recovery
o After Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, JICA sent rescue
teams and provided financial aid for rebuilding homes and
infrastructure.
3. Flood Control Projects
o JICA funded flood management projects in Metro Manila, like
the Pasig-Marikina River flood control system, to prevent
severe flooding.
Why is JICA Important?
Provides financial aid to developing countries.
Helps rebuild areas after natural disasters.
Supports economic and infrastructure projects like railways, roads,
and flood control systems.
In Short:
JICA is a helping hand from Japan that supports developing countries,
like the Philippines, by providing funding, disaster relief, and economic
assistance to improve lives and strengthen economies. 🇯🇵🤝🌍
Differeniate muna natin ang adb sa jica kase di ba they are almost the
same noh, but wag kayo malito dahil
JICA is like Japan's way of helping other countries directly. It
provides aid, disaster relief, and technical support, mostly using
Japanese government funds.
ADB is like Asia’s "bank" for development. It provides loans and
grants for big projects that boost economic growth, funded by multiple
countries.
Both help developing countries, but JICA focuses more on
humanitarian aid and Japan-led projects, while ADB funds larger, long-
term development projects across Asia.
So next number 4, we have
Expansion of Production Networks
What is it?
This means that countries in Asia are focusing on their strengths—what they are
good at producing—and then sharing these products with other countries. It's
like how different parts of a factory might be built in different places because
they each have special tools or resources. In this case, countries focus on what
they can produce best and trade those goods within Asia.
Explanation with Examples:
Philippines: The Philippines is good at making electronics (like
smartphones, computers, etc.) and producing copper. These items are then
exported to other countries, including those in Asia.
Indonesia: Indonesia has a lot of natural resources. It produces things like
palm oil, rubber, and natural gas. These are sold to other countries in Asia
where these items are needed for industries or everyday use.
South Korea: South Korea is great at making machinery (like big machines
for factories) and motor vehicles (like cars). These products are sold within
the region to other countries that need them for their own markets.
In Simple Terms:
Each country is focusing on what they do best, and then they trade these
goods to other countries in the region.
By doing this, countries in Asia can work together and make use of each
other’s strengths to help everyone grow economically! 🌏💼
Next second to the last we have
Establishment of Two Economic Structures - Chiang Mai Initiative &
Asian Bond Markets Initiative
What is it?
This refers to the creation of two important financial programs by ASEAN
countries and their East Asian partners (China, Japan, and South Korea). These
programs were made to help stabilize and strengthen the economies of Asian
countries by improving financial cooperation and support.
Explanation of the Two Initiatives:
1. Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI)
o This is like a financial "emergency fund" for Asian countries.
o If a country is facing a financial crisis (like not having enough money to
pay debts), it can borrow money from this fund.
o This helps prevent financial problems from spreading across Asia.
2. Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI)
o This is a way for Asian countries to borrow money from each other
instead of relying too much on Western countries.
o It helps businesses and governments raise money through bonds (a
type of investment).
o This makes Asia financially stronger and less dependent on foreign
lenders.
In Simple Terms:
The Chiang Mai Initiative is like a "rainy day fund" that helps Asian
countries during financial crises.
The Asian Bond Markets Initiative helps countries raise money locally
instead of borrowing from outside Asia.
Both initiatives aim to make Asia more financially independent and
stronger together. 💰🌏
Lastly, ASEAN Follows a Consensus Rule in Decision-Making
What is it?
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) uses a consensus-based
approach when making decisions. This means that all countries in ASEAN must
agree on an issue before a decision is made. Unlike the European Union (EU),
which follows a stricter, rules-based system where majority votes decide, ASEAN
prioritizes compromise and unity.
Why is this important?
Southeast Asia is made up of diverse countries with different cultures,
political systems, and economic priorities. If ASEAN followed a strict voting
system like the EU, smaller countries might feel left out or forced to follow rules
they don't agree with. The consensus approach helps:
✅ Avoid conflicts between different cultures and economies.
✅ Ensure that every country, no matter how big or small, has an equal say.
✅ Promote cooperation and mutual respect instead of forcing decisions.
Example:
Imagine a group of friends deciding where to eat. In a voting system, if 6 out
of 10 people vote for pizza, everyone has to eat pizza—even if some friends
don’t like it. But in a consensus system, the group keeps discussing until they
find an option that everyone agrees on, like a restaurant with both pizza and
other dishes.
In Simple Terms:
ASEAN makes decisions together as a team, making sure every country
agrees before moving forward. This method prevents disagreements and
respects each country's unique culture and policies. 🌏🤝
CONCLUSION: These aspects are indeed evident in fostering greater Asian
integration, strengthening economic ties, financial cooperation, and regional
unity. 🌏🤝
TO END MY PART I JUST WANT TO LEAVE THIS NOH, COUNTRIES THAT HELPS
EACH OTHER GROWS TOGETHER