Structural Transformation in South Asia: An Overview

The nature and dynamics of ST in South Asia are complex in which social, economic, and political processes are ingredients of both processes and outcomes. An important dimension is acute inequalities in all aspects of social and economic life. Universal access to basic services and equal opportunities for all are yet to become the cornerstones of the South Asia’s ST process. The challenge for the South Asian countries is to alter the sectoral share pattern towards manufacturing given its higher productivity and employment growth potentials compared with both agriculture and services. This is necessary to overcome the process of arrested and incomplete industrialisation. For South Asia, the key policy challenge is to achieve economic growth that is both inclusive and driven by productive ST.