Investors interested in gaining exposure to the well-diversified and economically vibrant Pacific Basin may consider mutual funds that primarily allocate most of their assets in countries within this region. Mutual funds' investing in Pacific Basin is expected to provide a blend of growth opportunities and low investment risk courtesy of high diversification in developed and developing markets.

Meanwhile, intensified economic stimulus in countries like China and Japan has helped in increasing investment opportunities in this region. Prominent centers of production and fast-growing potential markets in this part of the world also make it an exciting investment destination.

Below we share with you 4 top-rated Pacific Mutual Funds. Each has earned a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and is expected to outperform its peers in the future. To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all Pacific Mutual Funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of Pacific Mutual Funds .

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 Korean companies. MAKOX focuses on mid- to large-cap firms, but is not restricted to them. The Matthews Korea Investor fund is non diversified and has a year-to-date return of 13.5%.

As of June 2015, MAKOX held 53 issues with 4.78% of its assets invested in BGF Retail Co., Ltd.

Fidelity Pacific Basin (FPBFX - MF report) invests the major portion of its assets in securities of issuers located in or economically tied to the Pacific Basin. FPBFX primarily focuses on acquiring common stocks of companies located across a wide range of Pacific Basin countries. Factors such as financial strength and economic conditions are considered before investing in a company. The Fidelity Pacific Basin fund has a year-to-date return of 2.7%.

John Dance is the fund manager of FPBFX since 2013.

Matthews Asia Dividend Investor (MAPIX - MF report) seeks total return through current income. MAPIX invests the lion’s share of its assets in securities of companies based in Asia. MAPIX generally invests in equity securities of companies that are expected to provide dividend payment. MAPIX may also consider convertible debt and equity securities for potential investment. The Matthews Asia Dividend Investor fund has a year-to-date return of 5.1%.

MAPIX has an expense ratio of 1.05% as compared with the category average of 1.33%.

Columbia Pacific/Asia Z (USPAX - MF report) invests the majority of its assets in securities of Asian companies and securities of firms located in the Pacific Basin, which includes Australia, New Zealand and India. USPAX primarily invests in equity securities including common stocks and preferred stocks. The Columbia Pacific/Asia Z fund has a year-to-date return of 2.6%.

As of September 2015, USPAX held 91 issues, with 2.65% of its assets invested in Toyota Motor Corp. (TM).