Governments range from long-standing authoritarian to post-1989 democracies installed by 'People Power'; the economies include communist centrally-planned ones to the most successful free-market ones.
European influence, and Britain's historical links with the countries of the region in particular, varies considerably.
Culture, however, does bind the region together in large parts for example through Chinese influence, social values and Islam. In addition there are developing commonalities resulting from the pace of economic development and the fast growing middle class.
The Council's presence is not uniform in all the countries. But it is a region of new businesses:
30% of global Direct Teaching of English turnover is in the region
15% of Paid Educational Services turnover is accounted for by the region with Indonesia as one of the lead country in developing such work
eight out of the nine centres in the Educational Counselling Service are in the region
the region is the main target for the Council's new export promotion initiative
in the arts the Japan market alone contributes an estimated £50 million to Britain
The Council has had to compete for a declining level of ODA aid work but this it has done, on the whole, successfully. In established countries we have been able to demonstrate the value of our long-term presence and our efficiency but in new unrepresented areas we have not been as successful.
English is recognised as the most important international language in the region and its wider spread is a priority for countries of the region as well as HMG. It is also the field in which the Council has a particular comparative advantage.
But competition is severe in English language teaching, as in the overseas student market and in development and training services. Both America and Australia regard the region as a prime market and already have considerable influence.
4.
THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
The region will continue to be economically the most dynamic in the world. In 1980 its share of the world economy was one-fifth; by 1990 it was one fourth and by the end of the century it is expected to account for a third. Japan's economy is the second largest in the world; by 2010 China might be the third largest. It is already approaching the size of the UK economy. Economic development has been rapid with GNP doubling within a decade. in countries like Hong Kong, Singapore and more recently Indonesia.
As well as intra-regional trade, European trade with Asia tripled in the ten years to 1990. In visible exports this has benefited Germany, France and Italy more than Britain.
Inward investment from the region to Britain may grow. Japanese investment already accounts for 5% of overseas investment in Britain.