Rapid Economic Growth In East Asian Countries
Over the past decade, there has been rapid long-term economic growth
for East Asian countries. These newly industrialising countries are
experiencing growth rates in GDP per head at around 6% to 7% compared to the 2%
to 3% for most industrial economies. If this growth continues, South Korea and
Taiwan might take away America's distinction as the world's richest country.
This rapid economic growth is a result of several economic and political factors.
The pace of economic development, growth in world trade and communications,
and the investment in physical capital and education have all played a role in
the sudden rise of the East Asian economies.
One factor which has helped the long-term economic growth of South Korea
and Taiwan is the pace of economic development. The pace has accelerated over
time. As time progresses, countries seem to be able to grow at a much more rapid
rate. From 1780, it took Great Britain 58 years to double its real income per
head. It took America 47 years to double in the 1800's while Japan took 34
years from the late 19th century. Finally, South Korea was able to double its
real income per head in an amazing 11 years from 1966. It would seem that the
later a country has industrialised, the faster it has been able to do so.
Another important factor is the degree to which a country is behind the
industrial leaders. In the case of the East Asian countries, South Korea and
Taiwan, both started out with an extremely low income per head. This allowed
much faster growth when copying the leaders. It is important to realize ...