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For
more than 40 years the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has contributed to a
peaceful and stable development as well as to the deepening of
understanding between Germany, Europe and Asia.
The
countries of South, South-East and East Asia, where the Foundation
is active, are neither politically nor economically homogeneous.
Indeed, there are grave differences in both political and economic
terms. Democracies are rubbing shoulders with countries under
autocratic rule; some of the poorest developing countries in the
world are next door to rapidly growing national economies. Former
command economies such as China or Vietnam are increasingly
integrating elements of the market economy. Some other countries
have long since reached the level of Newly Industrialised Countries
and of growth economies.
The
two most populous countries of the world are Asian; their neighbours
are much smaller countries which frequently feel threatened by them
– and therefore concluded alliances on unequal terms. Regional as
well as global issues are assuming greater importance and there is
increasing willingness to cooperate with neighbouring countries.
China and India are even rising to be regional leaders and global
players, not least due to their economic growth and their role in
international organisations.
Economic growth is still the primary objective of Asian governments.
Increasingly though, social stability and ecological concerns are
seen as important criteria in the political decision making.
Socio-economic, political, cultural, ethnic and religious tensions
frequently lead to serious conflicts. There is an increasing
awareness that the rule of law and legal certainty are fundamental
prerequisites for economic, social and political stability.
Consequently, crisis prevention and international dialogue, the
promotion of democratic development and the realisation of social
justice in an increasingly globalising world have been among the
Foundation's key objectives in Asia right since the beginning.
The
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung currently maintains
21 cooperation offices
in Asia (without the Middle East), including an office for regional
cooperation in Singapore, and employs more than 100 specialist and
administrative local staff (2005). In
Pakistan
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has established its own cooperation office
in 1990.
For latest updates on regional
activities and publications please visit the
Department for Asia and the Pacific
and the sites of the respective offices.
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