e Chinese government to improve roads and
an electricity transmission network. To help increase north-south
trade, the US funded a $36 million bridge which opened in August
2007 and links Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The
economy depends heavily on agriculture, which accounts for more than
40% of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 80% of the work
force. Topography and climatic conditions, however, limit cultivated
crops to only 4% of the land area. Industry traditionally featured
the processing of agricultural products and light consumer goods.
The World Bank, the IMF, and bilateral donors have provided funds to
rehabilitate Tanzania's out-of-date economic infrastructure and to
alleviate poverty. Long-term growth through 2005 featured a pickup
in industrial production and a substantial increase in output of
minerals led by gold. Recent banking reforms have helped increase
private-sector growth and investment. Continued donor assistance and
solid macroeconomic policies supported real GDP growth of nearly 7%
in 2007.

Thailand
With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise
economy, and generally pro-investment policies, Thailand appears to
have fully recovered from the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis. The
country was one of East Asia's best performers from 2002-04. Boosted
by strong export growth, the Thai economy grew 4.5% in 2007. Bangkok
has pursued preferential trade agreements with a variety of partners
in an effort to boost exports and to maintain high growth. By 2007,
the tourism sector had largely recovered from the major 2004
tsunami. Following the military coup in September 2006, investment
and consumer confidence stagnated due to the uncertain political
climate that lasted through the December 2007 elections. Foreign
investor sentiment was further tempered by a 30% reserve requirement
on capital inflows instituted in December 2006, and discussion of
amending Thailand's rules governing foreign-owned businesses.
Economic growth in 2007 was due almost entirely to robust export
performance - despite the pressure of an appreciating currency.
Exports have performed at record levels, rising nearly 17% in 2006
and 12% in 2007. Export-oriented manufacturing - in particular
automobile production - and farm output are driving these gains.

Timor-Leste
In late 1999, a