Structural transformation to create high-productivity jobs in South and South-West Asia

Employment constitutes a crucial link between economic growth and poverty reduction for South and South-West Asia as most households in this subregion remain entirely dependent on income generated through work as access to other sources of income, such as from capital assets or public transfers, is usually limited. Thus, the availability of decent and high-productivity jobs on a sustained basis is key to tackling poverty in this subregion. In this regard, structural transformation that promotes economic growth and creates productive jobs in sectors where people living in poverty are likely to be employed should be a policy priority for South and South-West Asia. Moreover, as the subregion is experiencing a youth bulge, in which the share of those in the working-age population is projected to rise at least until 2030, the need to create a sufficient number of decent jobs becomes urgent.