African exports of manufactures and food have declined during this period, while exports of minerals and other agricultural products have risen, reflecting de-industrialization and more export-oriented agricultural production, but also heavier reliance on resources, especially mineral, particularly petroleum exports. Asia has emerged as a major trading partner while increased SSA trade integration has reduced the share of exports to the developed world from 74- per cent in the 1970s to 60 per cent in 2000-2009. The SSA export share to East Asia - which includes the ten ASEAN members plus China, Japan and South Korea - more than tripled from 5 to 16 per cent. However, much of this trade expansion is fairly recent. The growth of China's demand for primary commodities since the late 1990s has been the driving force behind this trend. Intra-regional trade also has significant development potential, if it relies on and strengthens developmental linkages.