We all know the news in the United States is nonstop doom and gloom, 24-7. But, despite rumors to the contrary, a significant portion of the rest of the world is not suffering from the same severe economic downdraft as we are. In fact, some parts of the world are prospering.

According to an article in The Economist published a couple of months ago, Asia as a whole is expected to experience moderate growth (about 7 percent) and lower inflation in 2009. With the exception of Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea, consumer spending and infrastructure investment will remain strong. Indeed, retail-sales volume in China is poised to grow 15 percent in 2009.

So, what does all this mean to you and your business? It means that if you haven't yet begun prospecting for customers in Asia, now is the time to make the move. And if you've already established a beachhead in Asia, then now is the time to focus more of your attention and resources in expanding your presence there -- and your business. Unfortunately, we have not yet seen the bottom of the current economic black hole, and it might be some months or even years before we do. For most companies, that will be too long to wait for a recovery.