The Pacific Basin countries constitute one of the world’s most diverse and economically vibrant regions. Among its inherent strengths are considerable technological capabilities and a growing pool of savings. Prominent centers of production and fast growing potential markets in this part of the world also ensure that it is an exciting investment destination. With a high degree of diversification between developed and developing markets, mutual funds from this sector present a healthy mix of growth opportunities and safety for capital invested.

Below we will share with you 5 favorably ranked pacific mutual funds. Each has earned either a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) or a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) as we expect the fund to outperform its peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all pacific funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of funds.

Matthews Asia Growth Investor (MPACX - MF report) seeks capital growth over the long run. MPACX invests a lion’s share of its assets in stocks of Asian companies. MPACX primarily focuses on acquiring common and preferred stocks of companies. MPACX may also allocate a significant portion of its assets in convertible securities of companies irrespective of their quality and maturity period. Matthews Asia Growth Investor fund has a three-year annualized return of 14.4%.

As of December 2014, MPACX held 75 issues with 3.57% of its total assets invested in Orix Corp (IX).

Fidelity Pacific Basin (FPBFX - MF report) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing a major portion of its assets in securities of issuers located or are economically tied to Pacific Basin. FPBFX generally invests in common stocks of companies located across a wide range of Pacific Basin countries. Factors such as financial strength and economic condition are considered before investing in a company. Fidelity Pacific Basin fund has a three-year annualized return of 19.1%.

John Dance is the fund manager and has managed FPBFX since 2013.

Matthews India Investor (MINDX - MF report) seeks long-term capital growth. MINDX invests majority of its assets in stocks and convertible securities of firms based in India. Though MINDX invests in companies of all sizes, the adviser expects MINDX to invest in mid to large-cap companies. Matthews India Investor fund is non-diversified and has a three-year annualized return of 27%.

MINDX has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.12% compared to a category average of 1.76%.

Fidelity Emerging Asia (FSEAX - MF report) invests heavily in companies from emerging economies in Asia. The fund may also invest in other securities that are related to emerging markets of Asian countries. It focuses on acquiring common stocks of companies depending on factors such as economic conditions and financial strength. Fidelity Emerging Asia fund has a three-year annualized return of 14.7%.

Colin Chickles is the fund manager and has managed FSEAX since 2009.

Matthews Korea Investor (MAKOX -MF report) seeks capital growth over the long-term. MAKOX invests a large chunk of its assets in common and preferred stocks of South Korea companies. The fund focuses on mid to large cap firms, but is not restricted to them. Matthews Korea Investor fund is non-diversified and has a three-year annualized return of 18.1%.

MAKOX has a minimum initial investment of $2,500 and an expense ratio of 1.11% compared to a category average of 1.83%.