1.   And the regional downturn means reduced profits and an all-around shrunken market pie to go around.

2.   The promotional stage is already running into snags, as the regional economic downturn causes the government to slash budgets.

3.   Although Vietnam has not been hit as hard as some other countries by the regional economic downturn, it has seen its growth rate and foreign investment slow dramatically.

4.   Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer said Tokyo has played a crucial role helping its neighbors cope with the regional downturn by providing financial aid.

5.   But most cable and satellite services in Asia are especially eager for an end to the regional downturn, when advertising revenues are expected to pick up again.

6.   He admitted, however, that the regional economic downturn was likely to put more pressure on the Social Welfare Department.

7.   He said his visit would provide him a good opportunity to discuss the regional downturn with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, with whom he is scheduled to meet Thursday.

8.   It is the latest company to announce job cuts because of the regional economic downturn.

9.   Macau derives about one-quarter of its income from gambling, and fighting over profits has turned murderous as revenues have dried up following a regional economic downturn.

10.   The focus, he said, should be on revitalizing the flagging economies, both of which have been hit by a regional downturn.