Since the Asian crisis, corporate debt-equity ratios fell by two-thirds and reliance on foreign funding are also lower.
"Asia's economic foundations became safer, sounder and more resilient but still open to the world and open for business. This has important lessons for the advanced economies currently facing severe challenges," Lagarde said.
Christine Lagarde was in Kuala Lumpur the first leg of her week-long tour in Southeast Asia that includes the Philippines and Cambodia to improve IMF's cooperation with the region.
'Gangnam style' life of young rich in Chongqing