World Economic and Social Survey 2004: Trends and Policies in the World Economy

The World Economic and Social Survey 2004 examines recent developments in and prospects for the world economy and addresses their implications for the developing countries in the struggle against poverty. In 2004, the world economy continued the recovery that had started in 2003 and the indications are that this progress will be sustained into 2005. Nevertheless, there are a number of immediate dangers, most notably higher oil prices and the large trade imbalances of some of the world’s major economies. Economic progress in India and China is likely to enable the world as a whole to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of reducing poverty by half by 2015. At the same time, many of the poorest countries are expected to fall well short. The Survey analyzes these and other issues in depth and also includes statistical tables, which give standardized data on international trade and finance, incorporating current data and forecasts. It is essential for decision makers in government and business, and provides valuable information to all interested in the trends of global economy.