ABSTRACT
Fundamental adjustments in production, resource utilisation and wealth accumulation are driving forces behind global interdependence and the emergence of economic blocs. Deregulation at the national level has been accompanied by re-regulation of the economy at an international level with the establishment of global trading blocs in North America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. In particular, cities in the Pacific Rim have been growing rapidly and transforming themselves functionally and physically. Situated in a vibrant growth region of the world, these cities have been experiencing the full impact of global economic restructuring and enhanced interdependence. These global forces are having differential impacts on cities in the Pacific Rim region and, for some, have heightened their strategic role and importance in attracting economic development and investment. For many of the cities the process of internationalisation will necessitate a strategic vision to enhance identity, upgrade image, market services and facilitate real estate investment opportunity. The global economic system has profound effects on how economic forces feed through into the development process, into social and political effects and into planning policy.
