Examines the process of poverty alleviation from 1976 to 1993. Finds that structural adjustment policies between 1981 and 1987 did not seem to have an adverse effect on poverty.

Examines the formulation of national policies including trade, exchange rates, monetary, fiscal and labour market policies and how they contribute to growth and employment generation. Covers mainly the period from 1984 to 2004.

Looks at the extent of and policy responses to the problem of labour shortage in the economies of Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.