Before too long there is a good likelihood that it will rise to a position alongside North America and Europe. 2. Asia's weight in the global economy  With all of its vast growth potential, what will Asia's part in the global economy look like in the future? Let me say something about this question now.
As of 2003 the population of Asia, excluding Russia and the Middle East, made up roughly half the world total. Asia's GDP, however, accounted for only 23% of that of the world. In contrast, three North American countries (the US, Canada and Mexico) and Europe had 7% and 6% of the world's population respectively, but accounted for 34% and 29% of world GDP.