After the Second World War the modell of the "Social Market Economy" (Soziale Marktwirtschaft) has transformed Germany into an economically and socially prosperous country. What can other regions learn from the ideas of Ludwig Erhard, the father of Germany´s "Wirtschaftswunder" (economic miracle)? Dr. Peter Hefele, Director of RECAP, discusses the current situation, opportunities and perspectives in Asia from the perspective of the Social Market Economy and asks for fields of cooperation between Asia and Europe in achieving a more sustainable economic and social development.