World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update 2010: Robust Recovery, Rising Risks (World Bank Publications)

The World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update 2010, Volume 2, is the latest edition of the comprehensive, twice-yearly review of the region's economies prepared by the East Asia and Pacific region of the World Bank. Entitled 'Robust Recovery, Rising Risks,' this Update notes that output and trade flows have recovered to above pre-crisis levels throughout developing East Asia. Confidence is on the rise, and private sector investment is once again driving growth. Yet greater confidence in the region’s growth prospects and concerns about tepid economic expansion in advanced economies are confronting policy makers with a delicate balancing act. In particular, the return of large capital inflows to East Asia has caused currencies to appreciate substantially, and is leading to concerns about asset price bubbles. Countries need to address emerging risks at the same time as medium-term challenges to sustain strong growth. The need for China to rebalance the economy by altering the pattern of growth and investment is increasingly critical for sustainability. Commodity exporters in the region need to ensure a transparent framework to use resource-related revenues for development. The middle-income countries of the region, excluding China, need to raise investment in physical and human capital and encourage innovation if they are to eventually attain high-income status. Presenting unique perspectives along with the latest data on the region, the World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update is a valued resource for policymakers, researchers, businesspersons, students, and anyone else with a serious interest in this dynamic region.