The processing trade has, since 1996, taken half of the total import and export trade value for a consecutive six years. Despite the impact and influence of the Asian financial crisis, it has maintained a momentum of steady growth. In the five years from 1997 to 2001, import and export value through the processing trade grew at an annual average rate of 10.5 percent, with exports growing at an annual average rate of 11.8 percent. This good growth momentum continued into Since the impact and influence of the Asian financial crisis, it has maintained a momentum of steady growth. In the five years from 1997 to 2001, import and export value through the processing trade grew at an annual average rate of 10.5 percent, with exports growing at an annual average rate of 11.8 percent. This good growth momentum continued into