8  BIS Review 157/2010  exchange transactions increased by 20 percent compared with that of three years ago. Among them, the share of Asian currencies in foreign exchange transactions is only less than 4 percent (Slide 19). However, given the significant presence of Asian economies in trade in goods and services, this share is expected to increase much further.
Interest rate spreads are rather high compared to large industrial countries, but they are about what you will find in other small countries and regions. Established firms are usually able to secure the financing they need for capital projects and equipment from a combination of sources, with an emphasis on equity and retained earnings.