World Economic and Social Survey, 2000.

xiv, 280 pages : charts ; 28 cm

9789211091366 Print

C 29 UN.WOR

Part one of the present edition of the World Economic and Social Survey chronicles a remarkable recovery in the world economy after the crisis years 1997-1999. Although, possibly fortuitously, the volume of international financial flows has not returned to its pre-crisis level, international financial markets are again displaying a sense of calm. International trade has also largely recovered from the setback it suffered following the financial crises. Although the losses incurred during 1997-1999 can never be made up, rates of economic growth in most countries, most notably in the crisis countries, have recovered or are in the process of recovering. For those directly affected, however, many of the social consequences of the crisis persist, with unemployment and poverty levels remaining higher than they were a few years ago. Part two of the Survey examines a number of critical points on this path. Some of these points, such as the need to achieve progress in agriculture, used to have a key role in development policies but have suffered relative neglect over the years. Others, such as the role of education and technology, have always been in the agenda but the results achieved have been mixed and many lessons have been learned. Yet other dimensions, such as the role of institutions, have come to the forefront only recently. The objective of Part two is to identify some of the actions that countries can take to start a period of rapid and sustained growth so that living standards may increase appreciably over a relatively short period of time. World Economic and Social Survey 2000 was prepared by the Development Policy Analysis Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, drawing on the continued cooperation of the regional commissions of the United Nations, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

New York : United Nations, 2000.

English