Rodolfo Severino, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said he has seen the effects of the global economic crisis in the empty shopping malls of Hong Kong and in the eyes of hungry Indonesian children.
Mr Severino believes the situation has reached a stage where the only solution will involve an international response led by the United States.
The latest attempt to tackle the global crisis will take place tomorrow when Japan unveils a proposal to the Group of Seven industrialised nations (G7) for a US$30 billion rescue package to boost trade and economic growth across Asia.
Mr Severino's fears of a 'deeper, wider and more prolonged downturn' have been given credence by reports this week by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. They warn that the world is heading for a slump and that millions of people may be pushed into poverty, with the ambitions of many others for a better standard of living being delayed.
Mr Severino said Asian governments could help in the process of recovery and reform but that their contribution was limited.
'The single most important response has been the reaffirmation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to regional economic integration and open policies,' he said. 'This crisis is of global dimensions and is of global origins. The effect of what each country does within its border is quite limited, as is shown when even well-run places like Singapore and Hong Kong are affected. The US is in the best position to take the leadership, and, in exercising its role, it should take into account the views of others, including developing countries.' A World Bank report - East Asia: The Road to Recovery - said a global response would be needed to complement domestic economic reforms.
