a tough issue facing many countries

[anhnha]

Restructuring SOEs is always a tough issue facing many countries that switch from a centralised economy to a market economy.
What does "facing" mean here? Does it mean "covering"?
Is "facing" a present participle?
Thank you!

[Calis]

"Facing" is a present participle/gerund, and in this context means that the issue "faces" the country, in that it is an issue that these countries have and must deal with. It is quite a common expression, so I would advise that you learn it well.

[Not a teacher]

[anhnha]

Oh, thank you!
I knew this meaning but the word order was confusing me. I thought the phrase have to be written like this:
"many countries facing a tough issue"

[hoangkha]

Oh, thank you!
I knew this meaning but the word order was confusing me. I thought the phrase have to be written like this:
"many countries facing a tough issue"

[not a teacher]
Let's have a look at this.
FACE
2 [TRANSITIVE] if you face a problem, or if it faces you, it is likely or certain to happen and you have to dealwith it. (Macmillan dictionary)
So "many countries facing a tough issue"= " a tough issue facing many countries"
(IMO)