Many developed nations in the west, like the United States and the European countries, began to invest in industries and services, as they felt competent enough to venture outside agricultural activities. This was possible because they had made themselves agriculturally sustainable and food production could sustain the population needs despite most not remaining in the agriculture sector. Countries in Asia, once in their peak of economic stability, could not achieve agricultural sustainability, which led to the fall in economic power compared to their western counterparts.