Book Description

Throughout Asia and the Pacific, gross domestic product growth in 2010 has recovered significantly after the economic downturn of 2008-2009. Employment grew and poverty was reduced but the quality of jobs in Asia remains inadequate. This issue of the Key Indicators highlights the crucial role of higher quality employment in economic growth and poverty reduction in Part I--- Toward Higher Quality Employment in Asia---followed by statistical tables in Parts II and III with short, nontechnical commentaries on economic, financial, social, and environmental developments. Part II comprises the first set of statistical tables and commentaries, which look at the Millennium Development Goals and progress in the region toward achieving key targets. The second set of tables, which are in Part III, is grouped into seven themes providing a broader picture of economic, financial, social, and environmental developments. The aim of the publication is to provide the latest key statistics on development issues concerning Asian and Pacific economies to a wide audience including policy makers, development practitioners, government officials, researchers, students, and the general public. This year, the Asian Development Bank presents a special supplement to the Key Indicators--- theFramework of Inclusive Growth Indicators, which defines inclusive growth and measures countries' progress in ensuring that economic growth benefits all.