Exports Aren’t Answer for Asian Economies

‘Southeast Asia’s Economic Survival Depends on Exports” [Nov. 21] reads like an advertisement.

Most economists would argue that, longer-term, most Asian economies’ survival is significantly more dependent upon freer and more open economies than a continued glut of export deficits.

Exports’ saving the Asian economies is little more than propaganda, encouraged by poorly run Asian conglomerates. These companies need to be allowed to die, for the good of the workers.

The jobs lost will be replaced by jobs with companies focused on profitable growth. Profitable growth based on sound business practices is the best job security for Asian workers and the best option for the recovery of the Asian economy.

Remember, huge trade deficits and protectionist policies are only needed by developing countries with uneducated and untrained work forces.

MICHAEL DeLaHOUSAYE

West Los Angeles