Early signs of a rebound in trade in Asia are brightening prospects for the region's export-dependent economies.

WSJ: What's News

If currencies become too dear, they could damage the region's export-dependent economies.

ECONOMIST: The region's currencies stay strong amid the squalls

Africa is the world's most indebted and aid-dependent region, with 17% of GDP flowing out in debt repayments, three times what the Bank believes is a sustainable level.

BBC: African economies 'in reverse'

Mr. Obama's emphasis on pursuing new pacts comes as he makes his way through an export-dependent region that has grown nervous about his trade policy, and skeptical about his willingness to use political capital at home to support free trade.

WSJ: Obama Carries a Message to Asia

China and many export-dependent economies in the region could loosen fiscal policy, while Japan's central bank could boost its asset purchases, he said, adding that efforts to trim external surpluses would reduce exposure to outside risks and support global growth.

WSJ: IMF Says Asia Has Room for Stimulus

In the depth of the crisis, as trade for a while seized up, the region, as one of the most trade-dependent in the world, saw growth plummet.

ECONOMIST: Banyan