This volume argues that while labour market reforms may be necessary in some specific cases, by no means are labour market policies the main explanation for the widespread increase in unemployment and underemployment across Asia and country specific studies undermine the case for across-the-board labour market reforms.

'At least one-third of Asia's labour force is unemployed or underemployed. A lack of employment is a major cause of poverty. If the Millennium Development Goals are to be met in Asia, there needs to be massive employment generation. The challenge is how? Felipe and Hasan set out the issues in stark form with a masterly theoretical survey of the functioning of labour markets in Asia, plus five detailed case studies of India, Indonesia, Philippines, China and Vietnam, highlighting the policy implications. This is undoubtedly one of the most important books written on growth, employment and poverty in Asia since Myrdal's classic, Asian Drama'. - Tony Thirlwall, Professor of Applied Economics, University of Kent, UK

'Even in a region known for its economic dynamism, creating full, productive, and decent employment is the biggest challenge facing Asia today. That is the convincing message of this authoritative book. Full of sound research, the volume debunks the widely held viewthat labour market rigidities are a major obstacle to employment creation. Instead, improving the incomes of the hundreds of millions of poor who work and creating more good jobs rely on the coordination of macroeconomic and social policies. It would be a welcome achievement if this book serves to put the employment challenge central to the policy agendas in Asia.' - Duncan Campbell, Director, Policy Integration Department, International Labour Organization