Here are some statistics that may heighten your interest in the Pacific Basin. Half of the world’s wealth and over half of its population live in the thirty-four countries and twenty-three island states that embrace the Basin, which itself consists of seventy million square miles. Ninety-five percent of the world’s natural silk can be found there as well as eighty-eight percent of its natural rubber, twenty-two percent of its oil resources, and sixty-four percent of its cotton. Well over a thousand languages are spoken in the area, and it is the source of some of the richest religious and cultural traditions in the world. 

  The most rapidly expanding economy in the region is Taiwan, with South Korea expected to be amongst the richest countries in the world in the twenty-first century. Not enough can be said about the market potential of China. As these countries continue to develop, their manufacturing capabilities will become increasingly complex, and their market for advanced technology will expand. The telecommunications industry, for instance, will soon take off. 

  It is the educated labor force as well as the work ethic that accounts for the growing manufacturing power of the Pacific nations. Lying on the trade routes to both East and West, this area has a unique advantage, something that few businesses can ignore.

  Forms for the suggestions are to be kept inside the box. When employees fill out a form, they should clearly state which situation they are trying to improve, list all pertinent data, and then offer a solution, stating how the company would benefit. Forms will then be collected each month by the department heads, who will pass them on to the plant manager. Where necessary, the plant manager will consult with the respective departments to gather any relevant data. If applicable, the matter will then be passed on to the finance department for approval. A bonus will be paid to employees for any suggestions that are adopted. The amount of the bonus will be commensurate with the savings to the company.

  In addition, when travelers visit different cultures and meet the people there, tourists see that others really are just like themselves; and this helps on an interpersonal growth level, they become more tolerant and flexible about unfamiliar things in life. This increases a person’s sense of empathy, which in turn helps a person more successfully deal with issues at home with others. Then back at home they can learn to appreciate new things more, such as a new dish or a new genre of music.