It is predicted by some observers that the 21st century will be remembered as the 'Asian Century'. Many of the countries in the region seem to be able to take the economic and trade baton when one of the others experience problems. The region, in general, continues to grow economically, politically and militarily. The articles presented in this book examine the current political and economic situations in nations across Asia, particularly focusing on economic developments. Contents: Preface; The Challenge of Removing Administrative Barriers to FDI in China; Negative Externality, Tacit Bargaining and Cigarette Demand: The Case of Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Japan; Modelling Development Control of Residential Development: A Probit Analysis of Rent Seeking and Policy Autonomy in Town Planning in Hong Kong; Social(ist) Capital: Does it Pay? The Institutional Impact on Conditions and Consequences of Access to Social Capital: the Case of the Former GDR; The Role of Foreign Investment in Guangdong's Economic Development; Natural Disasters and Long-run Economic Growth in Asia and Around the World; The Role of Urban Policy in the Battle against Poverty: The Experience of the Philippines;