The 2012 edition of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific: Pursuing Shared Prosperity in an Era of Turbulence and High Commodity Prices, analyses the short and medium-term challenges for the region and the outlook for the year ahead. A persistent concern for the region highlighted in the Survey is the challenge presented by commodity price volatility, in particular the trend of rising commodity prices.

The presentation started with the Video Message by Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary, who thanked all for joining in more than 30 locations around the world, for the global launch of the 2012 Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific, produced by ESCAP.

Further, a Presentation of the key results and conclusions of the Survey were presented by the leading CER experts. Moreover, an overall assessment of Uzbekistan economic development through the lens of global and regional challenges was highlighted in the presentation.

According to the report, Uzbekistan’s economy will grow by 8% in 2012 compared to 8.3% in 2011 and 8.5% in 2010. The inflation rate will drop from 13.5% in 2011 to 12.5% in 2012.

As was stated in the Survey, despite this slowdown, growth in Asia and the Pacific remains better than in any other region – continuing as an anchor of stability and a new growth pole for the world economy.

The flagship publication of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) – the regional arm of the United Nations – provides policy options for governments to overcome these challenges and maintain the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.