South Asia Development Matters

Over the past decade, South Asia has generated nearly 800,000 jobs per month, driven by robust economic growth across much of the region. This growth has led to the creation of higher-paying jobs for wage workers and has reduced poverty among the self-employed, who form the largest segment of the workforce. Looking ahead, South Asia faces the significant challenge of absorbing 1 to 1.2 million new entrants into the labor force monthly for the next two decades, while also increasing productivity levels.
Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive agenda spanning multiple sectors. Key priorities include enhancing the reliability of electricity supply for urban and rural firms, tackling governance and corruption issues decisively, simplifying access to land for informal urban businesses, and improving transport links between rural enterprises and their markets. Additionally, efforts are needed to improve early childhood nutrition to prevent cognitive impairments, focus on quality learning in education systems, equip workers with skills demanded by employers, and reform labor market regulations to protect workers rather than jobs.
While sustained high economic growth is essential for enhancing job quality, it is not guaranteed. However, the region’s demographic trends offer a favorable opportunity. With a growing workforce outnumbering dependents in many areas, resources saved from supporting fewer dependents can be redirected towards critical investments in physical and human capital. This investment is crucial for creating productive jobs, supported by conducive policy frameworks in each country.
The demographic window for these opportunities will only remain open for the next three decades, underscoring the urgency of implementing reforms. This book, the inaugural title in the South Asia Development Matters series, is aimed at policymakers, advisors, researchers, and economics students seeking solutions to the challenge of fostering more and better jobs in South Asia and beyond. It serves as a platform for in-depth economic and policy analysis on key development issues in the region.