Economic and social survey of Asia and the Pacific 2011: Sustaining dynamism and inclusive development, connectivity in the region and productive capacity in least developed countries
This survey states that while specific natural hazards may be difficult to predict, overall trends indicate that Asia and the Pacific as a whole has suffered the maximum losses when compared with different regions of the world suffering from such incidents in recent decades. It stresses that it is imperative that the possibility of such disasters be integrated as a key downside risk into regional economic and social policymaking while adopting measures to increase the resilience of economies, thereby mitigating the effect of such shocks.
This Survey explores ways the region can sustain dynamism in the medium term. It highlights the importance of greater connectivity in infrastructure and transport, and of more investment in the region’s human resources. It also stresses the need to expand and diversify the productive capacity of the least developed countries in order to overcome their structural limitations and take advantage of opportunities arising from globalization.