This sixtieth anniversary edition is the most comprehensive annual review of economic and social developments in the Asia-Pacific region. The Survey forecasts the external environment in the region, provides warning signals and policy options and recommendations. This issue forecasts lower growth rate of the developing economies of Asia and the Pacific than in 2007, but underlines their solid macroeconomic fundamentals. The publication also draws attention to agriculture as a significant factor in poverty reduction and rural development. The Survey is a valuable source for the regions policy and decision makers.