Fastest growth in the world - 7.9% in 2006
Successfully fighting inflation
Living with high oil prices
Pressure on currencies to appreciate
Record level of foreign reserves
Strong exports - but high oil prices take a toll on current accounts
Getting the best out of bilateral and regional trade agreements
Outlook for 2007 - continuing dynamism amid rising risks
Inflation - less of a problem
Managing exchange rates - the biggest challeng in 2007
Current account surpluses - to deteriorate slightly
Downside risks not to be ignored
Key economic issues on the watch list
Monitoring vulnerability to currency crises
Boosting domestic demand through private investment, especially in East Asia
Reaping the one-off demographic dividend
Managing urban growth
Promoting green growth to sustain development
Appendix 1: Composite index of vulnerability to currency crisis - concept and measurement
References
Widespread growth across Asia and the Pacific
East and North-East Asia - external demand boosts growth
Excess liquity keeps the heat on
Current accounts remain in surplus
Weaker global demand poses a risk for medium-term prospects
Policy research feature 2.1: China's wake-up call to exporters in the Asia-Pacific region
North and Central Asia - oil and gas fuel spectacular growth
High and rising inflation widespread
Current account surpluses for oil exporters - workers' remittances boost external revenues for others
Foreign direct investment flows in
Foreign debt burden eases
Medium-term prospects are strong
Pacific island countries - robust growth, continuing challenges
External sector set to gain from the partnership with the European Union
Impact of higher oil prices
Policy research feature 2.2: The challenge of urbanization
South and South-West Asia - growth momentum sustained
Least developed countries forge ahead
High oil prices sustained inflationary pressures
Budget deficit - a serious problem in several countries
Current account deficits widen due to high oil prices
Outlook for 2007 - growth expected to remain strong
Policy research feature 2.3: Electricity and roads to reduce rural poverty
South-East Asia - growth accelerates on the back of strong exports
Higher oil prices - a catalyst for rethinking monetary policy
External sector helped by strong global economy
Medium-term prospects - dependence on global demand raises concerns
Policy research feature 2.4: Developing East Asian corporate bond markets 10 years after the crisis
Developed countries - modest growth but Japan's revival bodes well for the Asia-Pacific region
Policy research feature 2.5: Are inequality and poverty rising in Japan?
References
Economic and social costs of gender discrimination
Cost of restrictions on labour force participation - $42-$47 billion a year
Cost of gender gaps in education - $16-$30 billion a year
Cost of restrictions on access to health services
Social costs of gender discrimination
Progress towards narrowing the gender gap
Economic participation - women's autonomy is the key to success
Educational attainment - a large gap, greater effort required
Health and survival - the gender gap exacerbated
Voice and empowerment - a wider gap
Eliminating gender discrimination - policy recommendations
Improve access to education
Improve access to health care
Enhance economic participation of women
Enhance access to material resources
Take steps to empower women by facilitating social moblization
Hear the voice of women
References
Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2007
