SOUTH ASIA

“This important book, authored by two acknowledged experts on Asia with many years of experience working at the Asian Development Bank, is devoted to analyzing the recent economic dynamism of South Asia and the challenges that it faces in a globalizing world. Among the important questions answered in the book are: • How globalized is South Asia and has global integration been beneficial? Economic reforms in South Asia have borne fruit. Going forward, what is the remaining agenda in each country? • China began the reform process with a lower GDP per capita than South Asia, but by 2005 its per capita income was more than twice that of South Asia. Why? • India has the potential to grow as fast as the China over the next two decades. What are the required policy actions to realize this potential? • After falling dramatically in the post-1947 period, trade integration among the South Asian countries is now starting to increase. Can South Asia be as well-integrated in the future as it was during the pre-1947 period? • South Asia's economic relations with East Asia are starting to surge. Could this eventually lead to an integrated Pan-Asia similar to that in Europe? The book will be of value to a wide spectrum of readers — academics, policymakers, development institutions, students of economics, and the general public.”

“Rana and Dowling have been keen observers of the South Asian scene for over two decades. This experience and scholarship is amply demonstrated in their new book. They rightly emphasize that South Asian economies have to press on with their domestic reform agenda and further reinforce their efforts at regional cooperation if they want to maximize the benefits from globalization. Their prescription is right on the mark. The book has two special features that should make it a necessary reading for all those interested in Asia's evolving economic geography. The first is its comparison of the development experience in China and South Asia. The second is the discussion of pan-Asian cooperation and the prospects of strengthening of economic cooperation between South Asia and East Asia, an idea whose time is now well within the planning horizon. The book is a welcome addition to the growing literature on pan-Asian cooperation and will strengthen the important cause of regional cooperation in South Asia.”

“The basic premise of Rana and Dowling's remarkable book is that sustaining high growth in South Asia is essential for integrating Asia, and for enhancing its role in global affairs. They make many policy suggestions for pursuing inclusive high growth by South Asian countries, so the sub-region can be a growth node for the rest of Asia. The book is a welcome addition to growing literature on Asian integration in general, and to managing globalization in south Asia in particular.”

“This book provides a thorough assessment about the developments in South Asia — a region that has risen significantly on the global stage in recent decades. As the long time observers of the Asian economies, the authors are well-positioned for tackling various challenging policy issues facing the region. Policy-makers and students alike should benefit enormously from the careful analyses and invaluable knowledge that the authors have offered in this timely book.” ”

“There has been a proliferation of books on East Asia's dynamism and it's integration intraregionally as well as with the global economy. In contrast, much less has been written on South Asia which has, until recently, been a relative laggard in economic growth as well as in terms of embracing the global market economy … There are also encouraging signs regarding the gradual integration of India and — to a lesser extent — the rest of South Asia with China and the rest of East Asia, leading some to talk about ‘Pan-Asian’ integration. The revitalization of South Asia has also given impetus for enhanced intra-South Asian economic integration … There has, however, been little careful and thoughtful analysis of these important trends and ongoings. The book by Rana and Dowling very ably fills this gap. The authors, both of whom have extensive policy experience in Asia, should be commended for writing a book that offers a thorough and detailed analysis of the data and provides highly useful and insightful policy recommendations.”

“Rana and Dowling have come up with an interesting analysis of South Asia, a region that has begun to emerge as one of the most dynamic by exploiting opportunities provided by globalization. They also focus on the challenges that they face in responding to globalization and regional economic integration. I hope that the book will be widely read.”

“This book is highly informative. The topic is well chosen and of current interest. A number of relevant questions are asked followed by appropriate answers and the authors dare come forward with policy suggestions. All very well done.”