Trade with Asia proved to be one of the most powerful forces behind our modern ‘globalised’ world.

The outcome of European trade with Asia was European, and above all British, domination of Asia. Few countries escaped colonial rule and the impact of European industrialisation. At home Indian textiles gave way to Lancashire cottons and Chinese porcelain was abandoned in favour of the cheaper offerings of Wedgwood. Asia was manipulated. It became a producer of raw material and a consumer of European, largely British, manufactured goods.

Ironically, following the demise of Britain’s empire, post 1945, powerful Asian economies have emerged once again exporting sophisticated manufactures to the rest of the world.

Globalisation has come full circle.