Four decades of rapid economic growth in most parts of Asia have resulted in fundamental economic and social transformations and a reduction in overall poverty. Labour markets and labour systems are also changing, as Asian states move progressively up the economic ladder to join the ranks of the second-tier and next-generation industrialising countries. Generally these advances have been warmly welcomed. Nevertheless, many observers are concerned at the trade-offs that have accompanied the Asian path to development: low wages; poor working conditions (especially for women and child workers); and a lack of concern for the environment. There is a widespread belief that Asian governments, in their drive to be internationally competitive, have downplayed the two key areas of labour and environmental standards. As the 1990s drew to a close, there was pressure from some quarters for the insertion of clauses into multilateral trade agreements that would allow trade sanctions against countries that did not comply with labour and environmental standards.