Asia is leading the world’s economic rebound but the situation differs across countries. Some countries returned to positive employment growth in the third quarter of 2009 but poverty remains widespread throughout the region. Current trends indicate that in emerging and developing economies, employment is not likely to rebound to pre-crisis levels until the end of 2010.

Recovery strategies focussed on investment infrastructure and transfers to address the social fallout.

A joint ILO/OECD expert panel held on 1-3 December 2009, at Malang, Indonesia looked at how local employment and skills development can contribute to the improvement of the overall economic situation at country level in Asia. Some of the country-specific solutions to the crisis are outlined below.