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The World Bank has finally recognized the need to focus on institutional reforms to alleviate poverty in most of its third world clients. The move is a positive step from pure policy prescriptions that characterized the World Bank's approach to combating poverty. Things that haven't changed include the World Bank's commitment to the development of financial markets, infrastructure amd human development.

There are several government policies that prevent China from setting up an effective stock exchange. The Chinese government has set up a financial market in order to attract investors to finance the country's development. However, government policies prevent the expansion of the financial market by blocking information dissemination. Monopoly of information may translate to added risks for ordinary businesses, therefore reflecting refusal to invest.

The Indonesian economy has grown steadily over the years and it is now one of the most impressive in Southeast Asia. However, some observers warn that the country's prosperity has also fanned a deep resentment towards Pres. Suharto's family and the country's ethnic Chinese community. Many Indonesians feel that the members of the Suharto family have used their political clout to enrich themselves. Locals also resent the closed nature of the ethnic Chinese community and how they have been left with a grossly disproportionate share of the country's growing affluence.