Russell Smyth

The extraordinary economic performance of Asia is arguably the most important economic phenomenon of the last 50 years. Recovering from the shocks of colonial control, the world of Asian business is a rapidly changing scenario in which home-grown companies compete against multinationals for market share and market access. This collection focuses on the role of entrepreneurship -- both private and state -- in propelling Asian economic growth in the five decades since the end of the World War II. The volume places the familiar names of Asian business in a long term historical and policy context. The 21st century is now being heralded as the 'Asian Century' and this book assists in understanding what has made all this possible.

Over the last two decades, China's extraordinary rate of economic growth has been driven by the 120-150 million people who have flocked into China's cities from the surrounding countryside in search of a better life. This book examines the manner in which these people live, work, and interact with their urban cousins. A particular feature of the book is its comparative focus, with interesting parallels drawn between China's experience with mass internal migration and labour market restructuring and the experiences of India, Mexico, and France.