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See, Think, Wonder – Economies of South Asia. See, Think, Wonder – Economies in South Asia. See, Think, Wonder – Economies of South Asia. See, Think, Wonder – Economies of South Asia . Economic Development: Burdened by Poverty. South Asian Poverty
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Economic Development: Burdened by Poverty • South Asian Poverty • India has a growing middle class, and an upper class • About 100 million Indians afford modern consumer goods • More than 300 million Indian citizens are below their country’s poverty line, and Bangladesh is poorer • Child labor dilemma
Geographies of Economic Development • The Himalayan Countries • Rugged terrain and isolation in Nepal and Bhutan are a disadvantage • Bhutan has isolationist stance • Nepal’s tourism has resulted in environmental degradation
Geographies of Economic Development • Bangladesh • Poorest country in the region • Heavy reliance on production of commercial crops (Jute and Rice) • Environmental degradation has contributed to poverty • Internationally competitive in textile and clothing manufacturing • Pakistan • Inherited a reasonably well-developed urban infrastructure • Agriculture, cotton, textile industry are important • Less dynamic economy and less potential for growth • Burdened by high levels of defense spending
Geographies of Economic Development • Sri Lanka and the Maldives • Sri Lanka: second-most highly developed economy in region • Exports of agricultural products (rubber and tea) and textiles • Civil war has undercut economic progress • Maldives is most prosperous country in region, based on GNI • Small total economy
India’s Modern Economy • India’s Lesser Developed Areas • India’s economy dwarfs that of other South Asian countries • Prosperous west and poorer east • North India states economies are generally stagnate • Caste tensions exist in these areas
India’s Modern Economy • India’s Centers of Economic Growth • Punjab and Haryana are showcase states of Green Revolution • Western states are noted for their industrial and financial power • Many Gujarat merchants and traders were part of Indian diaspora(migration of large numbers of Indians to foreign countries) • Karnataka’s capital Bangalore is a growing high-tech center
Globalization and India’s Economic Future • South Asia is one of the world’s least globalized regions • Low foreign trade and low foreign direct investment • Economy based on private ownership combined with government control of planning • Led to low, slow-paced growth • 1990s: liberalization of the economy, regulations reduced • Fearful of foreign investors • Future economic policies remain uncertain