The fact that China, as a population giant, has developed a globally unprecedented system to control its birth-rate, and has achieved high economic growth by introducing the free market system into a socialist society, is a reality distinct from criticism of its methods. It should be focused on as an important discovery in Asia.
With its own characteristics and considerable differences from the Chinese approaches, India is also beginning to make new progress quietly. Although the country that took the initiative in controlling birth-rate is still much behind China in birth-rate reduction due to various political and social constraints, it has finally arrived at an accelerating stage of development. As if to support such progress, modernized industrialization has begun.
Our research is conducted along the threads mentioned above with the aim of analyzing the possibility of departing from the constraints against development and growth by focusing on Asia, especially China and India. We would be honored if our studies were able to indicate to readers any implications concerning Japan's role or possible contributions in the years to come.
I wish to express our sincere thanks to The Nippon Foundation (Ms. Ayako Sono, Chairperson) and the United Nations Population Fund (Dr. Nafis Sadik, Executive Director) for their most generous support given to our preparation of this document.
March, 1999
Taro Nakayama
Chairman
The Asian Population and
Development Association
