CONTENTS

Forward

Acknowledgements

1. Global and regional economic developments: patterns, implications and prospects for the ESCAP region
   (Shahid Ahmed, ESCAP secretariat)

   Challenges facing the ESCAP region: Statement by the Eminent Persons Group

2. Information and communications technology and development: an Indian perspective
   (Bibek Debroy)
   
   

3. Public debt management: a new priority
   (Nihal Kappagoda)

4. WTO and developing countries: regional perspectives on future trade negotiations (Tiziana Bonapace, ESCAP secretariat)

5. Pacific island economies: recent economic growth experience
   (Te'o I.J. Fairbairn)

6. The new poor
   (M.H. Malik, ESCAP secretariat)

7. Contemporary issues in Central Asia
   (E.I. Gherman, ESCAP secretariat)

8. Implementation of the new Basel Capital Accord in the Asia-Pacific region: potential challenges and rewards
   (Vimala Aldis and Fareeda Maroof Hla)