Abstract

While Asia’s growth record in recent decades is remarkable, it has been marred by rising inequalities. This book looks at recent trends of income and non-income inequalities in developing Asian countries, discusses their underlying driving forces, and examines key policy issues that need to be addressed to ensure that the benefits of growth will be more equitably shared in Asia. The book also presents a set of country studies that provide rich information on growth, poverty and inequality dynamics and the policy challenges that arise in marching toward inclusive growth.

'This volume presents a comprehensive and thorough discussion of the extent and patterns of poverty and inequality in developing Asia, examines the concept and empirical dimensions of inclusive growth for the region, and draws policy implications for countries and international agencies.' —Ravi Kanbur, T.H. Lee Professor of World Affairs, International Professor of Applied Economics, Professor of Economics, Cornell University

While Asia's growth record in recent decades is remarkable, it has been marred by rising inequality. Recognizing the potential negative economic, social and political consequences of rising inequality, more and more Asian countries are paying attention to the issue of equity and taking actions to make growth more inclusive. This book puts together papers arising from various studies on inclusive growth and its policy implications, as carried out at the Asian Development Bank. 'Poverty, Inequality, and Inclusive Growth in Asia' looks at recent trends of income and non-income inequalities in developing Asian countries; discusses their underlying driving forces; examines the concept of inclusive growth and its policy ingredients; proposes how inclusive growth can be measured and monitored; and provides in-depth analyses of the key policies of an inclusive growth strategy, including employment, public service delivery, social protection, gender equality, and governance and institutions. The book also presents a set of country studies with rich information on growth, poverty and inequality dynamics and the policy challenges that arise in marching toward inclusive growth in the People's Republic of China, Philippines, and Nepal.

'Building on an innovative conceptual framework that sees inclusive growth as economic growth coupled with declining inequality of opportunity, the authors capably address measure ment and policy design questions.'—Francisco H. G. Ferreira, Deputy Chief Economist for Latin America, The World Bank

'This book is a thoughtful and scholarly presentation of the issues and solutions, and offers a way through the policy maze. It is a practical response to Asian 'suffering,' and a welcome balance to the growing number of books celebrating 'shining' Asia.' —Homi Kharas, Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development, Wolfensohn Center for Development, Brookings Institution

'This book presents a compelling case for making growth more inclusive in Asia and a unique view of key elements of an inclusive growth strategy for the region.' —Justin Yifu Lin, Chief Economist, The World Bank

'How to make economic growth work to the benefit of a wide group of citizens is one of the central challenges of economic development. This book contains important analysis and insights into how this challenge can be met.' —Timothy Besley, Kuwait Professor of Economics and Political Science, London School of Economics and Political Science

‘In this collection of 13 chapters of careful and detailed research on poverty and inequality by staff from the Asian Development Bank and their collaborators, future directions for policy innovation are canvassed.’ — Kosmas Tsokhas, ‘Journal of Contemporary Asia’

Juzhong Zhuang holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Manchester and an MSc in Management Science from Shanghai Maritime University, China. He currently works as Assistant Chief Economist for the Economics and Research Department of the Asian Development Bank. His recent publications include 'The Economics of Climate Change in Southeast Asia: A Regional Review' and  'Inclusive Growth toward a Prosperous Asia: Policy Implications' in the 'Asian Development Review'.