𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 (𝟏𝟎 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬)

Introduction: Challenges Confronting a Rising South Asia—Industry and Employment
Sachin Chaturvedi, Sabyasachi Saha
Pages 1-14
Job Creation in the Manufacturing Sector as a Strategy for Sustainable Economic Growth in Bangladesh
Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Faijan Bin Halim
Pages 15-50
Role of Manufacturing in Employment Generation in Nepal: Experiences and Lessons for the Future
Dilli Raj Khanal, Posh Raj Pandey
Pages 51-84
Manufacturing Trade and Employment Linkages in India
S. K. Mohanty, Sabyasachi Saha
Pages 85-110
Export-Employment Conundrum in India’s Manufacturing Under Globalization: In Search of a Strategic Approach
K. J. Joseph, Kiran Kumar Kakarlapudi
Pages 111-152
Manufacturing Sector and Job Creation in Pakistan
Sajid Amin Javed, Abid Qaiyum Suleri
Pages 153-170
Export-Oriented Manufacturing: A Viable Engine of Economic Growth and Labor Generation for Sri Lanka
Visvanathan Subramaniam
Pages 171-195
Economic Growth and Employment in South Asia
Ajit K. Ghose
Pages 197-211
Competitiveness, Skill Formation and Industrialization: The South Asian Experience
Lakhwinder Singh
Pages 213-227
Conclusion: Manufacturing and Employment in South Asia
Sachin Chaturvedi, Sabyasachi Saha
Pages 229-239

This book analyzes the structural factors that underlie the persistent mass poverty and extreme inequality in South Asian countries. It highlights the fact that the supposed trade-off between output growth and job creation is a false dilemma. Growth can create jobs, and jobs can drive growth, mutually reinforcing one another. Increased employment and better jobs would mitigate the problems arising from a widening inequality gap. The book argues that policies focused on employment generation, mostly through industrialization, are the way forward in terms of providing livelihoods, sustaining growth and reducing inequality.

The book is divided into two main parts. Part A explores cases in selected countries in South Asia in detail, primarily focusing on the opportunities and challenges of job creation in the manufacturing sector, as well as related issues, including constraints on manufacturing-sector growth in South Asia, exports and trade linkages, participation in valuechains and the role of investment. In turn, Part B addresses a number of aspects that can promote a deeper understanding of strategies for industrialization and employment creation in the South Asian context, including regional cooperation, skill development, and industrial competitiveness. Gathering contributions from some of the region’s top minds, this book is of interest to scholars, researchers, policymakers and industry analysts alike.