Contains an updated comprehensive explanation of the criteria, procedures and methodology used in establishing which countries are eligible for inclusion in, or recommended for graduation from, the least developed country (LDC) category. It also provides an overview of the special support measures that can be derived from having least developed country status.
Since the group of least developed countries (LDCs) was identified in 1971, only five countries have graduated from the group, all of which are characterised by small size or population. The projections are that the next decade will see a rapid increase in the pace of graduation, with Bangladesh in particular poised to be one of the largest countries, in terms of its economy and population, yet to leave the group. While previously many LDCs viewed the prospect of graduation with some apprehension, fearing significant erosion of international support, increasingly, the move is being seen as a more positive landmark. This book aims to articulate appropriate strategies and initiatives to help Bangladesh to maintain its developmental momentum and to prepare for a sustainable graduation in 2024. In doing so, the book explores themes such as key analytical issues of the LDC graduation paradigm, smooth transition and structural transformation, and post-graduation challenges and opportunities. Further, against the backdrop of Gross National Income per capita, the Human Assets Index and Economic Vulnerability Index goals required for graduation, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the 2030 Agenda will also be in the process of implementation. Whilst some feel that the two agendas might be in conflict, the book teases out some of the important synergies which can be drawn when LDCs are undertaking the journey of graduation in the era of the SDGs. The book also takes into cognisance the uncertain external environment and the emerging global scenario within which Bangladesh's graduation is to take place. Conceptual discourse around LDC graduation and the particular narrative around Bangladesh's journey towards LDC graduation will be of interest not only to scholars of Bangladesh, but also to researchers and policymakers with an interest in LDC graduation for other countries facing similar challenges.
The United Nations recognizes 49 countries as "least developed"--the low-income countries suffering most from structural handicaps to growth and thus deserving special treatment from the international community. Patrick Guillaumont has chaired the group that identifies least developed countries (LDCs) at the UN Committee for Development Policy for the past ten years. In this book, he explores the meaning of "least developed" and the rationale for the LDC category. The book presents a history of the category and its conceptual and empirical grounds in growth economics. It assesses the two main criteria of structural handicaps: a human assets index and an economic vulnerability index. It considers how they can be aggregated in a structural handicap index to refine the identification of the LDCs and whether they could be combined with income per capita in a synthetic "least likely to develop" index. Through its examination of the LDC category, this book explains why some low-income countries seem to have been caught in a poverty trap while some others have escaped.
The private sector has an important role in poverty reduction in Asia. The Private Sector's Role in Poverty Reduction in Asia argues that the best way to create sustainable projects is to create win-win situations where both private companies and individuals working their way out of poverty can benefit. The book provides a practical guide for managers and individuals working in the private sector in the least developed areas of Asia to help make a difference to the lives of others. The book's opening chapter considers the private sector's role in poverty reduction in Asia and following chapters discuss the variable nature of development, developing economy environments in Asia and business practices and strategies in these economies. A number of Asian economies are considered in turn, including: China; Vietnam; Thailand; Cambodia; Laos PDR; Southeast Asian countries; South Asian countries; Central Asian countries; and the Himalayas. The final chapter looks at creating sustainable win-win situations. - Focuses on practical advice for acting managers - Uses primary research carried out in developing economies, with interviews and ideas from local managers and business owners - Covers a variety of academic theories, empirical evidence and personal experiences of individuals working in the region
Many countries rely on cultural sites and destinations to support their economies. However, they are faced with the ongoing challenge of sustaining tourist attractions and maintaining the equilibrium between the local community and tourist populations. Sustainable Tourism: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice features current research that takes an in-depth look at cooperative strategies and governance for conserving and promoting tourism within both developed and developing economies. Highlighting a range of topics such as tourism development, environmental protection, and responsible hospitality, this publication is an ideal reference source for entrepreneurs, business managers, economists, business professionals, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and graduate-level students interested in the latest research on sustainable tourism.
In light of the current economic difficulties facing traditional development partners and the non-sustainable and non-inclusive nature of performance of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) over the last decade, LDC governments need new development paths to tap into dynamic growth poles in the South. This publication explores the role of South-South cooperation and regional developmentalism, and finds that, in order to benefit from evolving South-South relations, LDCs need to transform into Catalytic Development States that are highly sensitive to LDC vulnerabilities and offer new policy agendas.
Quality assurance is an essential aspect for ensuring the success of corporations worldwide. Consistent quality requirements across organizations of similar types ensure that these requirements can be accurately and easily evaluated. Shaping the Future Through Standardization is an essential scholarly book that examines quality and standardization within diverse organizations globally with a special focus on future perspectives, including how standards and standardization may shape the future. Featuring a wide range of topics such as economics, pedagogy, and management, this book is ideal for academicians, researchers, decision makers, policymakers, managers, corporate professionals, and students.
This report presents a collection of the papers delivered to the meeting organised by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and UNCTAD, in preparation for the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in May 2001. The aim of the meeting was to highlight the valuable opportunities which tourism can create for the sustainable economic and social development of the least developed countries. This report contains the text of the Canary Islands Declaration adopted at the meeting, which proposed a plan of action to strengthen the capacity of LDCs to develop sustainable and competitive tourism policies in the international marketplace.
