Global Economic Prospects and the Developing Countries: 1998/99, Beyond Financial Crisis

This ninth annual edition analyzes short- and long-term future prospects for developing countries in the wake of the East Asia crisis; maps out policies to deal with crises once they erupt; and focuses on ways of preventing future crises on the scale of East Asia's recent experience. The recent crises have exacted an enormous social cost, placing a large burden on the poor and, in some countries, heightening social conflict. The social consequences are likely to be protracted. Social policy concerns must be an integral "up front" part of the selection for overall policy responses to the economic crisis. While never a substitute for sound pro-growth macroeconomic policies, social safety nets can play an important part in mitigating the social effects of crises. According to this report, the lesson coming out of the East Asia crisis is for developing countries to benefit from globalization, and not to retreat from it, by strengthening their institutions and deepening their reforms.