Moore's report

In 2006, Treasurer Richard Moore took a five-week trip to China, Taiwan and India.

The trip was part of an Eisenhower Fellowship, which sends politicians, policymakers and academics overseas to learn about government and make international contacts.

During the trip, Moore met with officials at Lenovo, the Chinese personal computer manufacturer with headquarters in the Research Triangle Park.

He also studied government pensions systems of the three countries.

In a brief summary of his findings, Moore is quoted saying China was doing well in business, but he wondered how it could be sustained without "independent entrepreneurial thinking."

He said he was struck by reforms in Taiwan but felt that its "political status" is hurting trade. He said India was a "bottom-up capitalistic society ... reinforced by a vibrant democracy."

In conclusion, Moore said that the United States could still remain competitive, but Asia "is "coming at us very quickly."