Levels of Economic Activity

Structure of the Economy Economic activities are divided into stages or categories of increasing complexity –Primary Sector –Secondary Sector –Tertiary Sector –Quaternary Sector

We are going to follow a common product from Southeast Asia through the different levels. Rice!

Primary Industry “Extraction of resources from the earth” In many Southeast Asian countries, farmers plant rice seeds and then harvest the rice once it grows.

Rice Farming in Vietnam - primary industry

Can you think of other examples of primary industries?

Secondary Industry “Processing and manufacturing of resources” Once the rice has been harvested, it is sent to mills to be dried and packaged.

Secondary Industry Can you think of other examples of secondary industries?

Sugar Refining Plant

Timber Processing

Mazarotti Plant - Italy

Tertiary Industry Distributing goods and services After the rice has been packaged, it is sent to stores and markets around the world to be sold.

Tertiary Industry Can you think of other examples of tertiary industries?

Quaternary Industry Processing and disseminating information Once the rice has been sold, companies analyze information regarding the growing, harvesting, and sale of rice.

Now, each of you will be given a natural resource that is commonly found in Southeast Asia and you will track its development through the economic levels.