Asian Development Outlook 2007

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) released its annual Asian Development Outlook report today.

"In South-East Asia, economic growth was expected to slow down to 5.6 per cent in 2007, from 6 per cent in 2006. In 2008, growth would increase to 5.9 per cent..."

"The ADB noted that while developing Asia faces less risks in 2007, the region must still watch out for price volatility, oil supply disruption, rising protectionist pressures, a spike in geopolitical and security risk, and an avian flue pandemic." (Source: Bangkok Post Breaking News)

Elements essential for continued growth in Asia include:

* investment that expands opportunities for productivity gains and provides infrastructure services that are vital for economies of scale and other benefits
* institutions that lower risks and uncertainty for businesses
markets that support labor mobility
* institutions that provide social protection

A chapter on education and structural change, also included in this edition, examines links between education and changes in the structure of the economy. (Source)