Labour and social trends in ASEAN 2008. Driving competitiveness and prosperity with decent work

This report looks at some of the most important current labour and social trends in the 10 ASEAN Member Countries. It analyses the key factors that underpin long term competitiveness and productivity, and the policy challenges that lie ahead if growth and prosperity are to be maintained -- including encouraging innovation and progressive workplace practices, raising the quality of the workforce, strengthening social dialogue and cohesion, and tackling vulnerability.

Three main aims are highlighted: to present an update in major trends in employment and social conditions in the dynamic ASEAN region; to advance the development of internationally comparable, gender- and age-specific labour market statistics across the ASEAN region and beyond; and to provide analysis and policy recommendations to the discussion on rogressive labour practices at the ASEAN Human Resource Summit.

The report was prepared by the Economic and Social Analysis Unit of the ILO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.