Similar measures are called for in other liberalizing countries to avoid increasing unemployment and poverty during the reform process. The diversity of the region requires that employment policies be country-specific. The more advanced countries have seen con-siderable improvement in their unemployment and poverty situation. Some have even become destinations for migrant labour from less prosperous neighbours. Other Asian countries still face massive problems of underemployment and poverty, especially in rural areas.
Agriculture needs to be specifically targeted through public investment.
Agricultural growth is imperative not only because of its direct impact on employment and poverty, but also because it helps to slow down rural-urban migration. At the same time, non-agricultural growth has to be increased by eliminating the remaining labour market rigidities which impede employment growth in the modern sector. The situation of women workers in the region has improved somewhat in terms of employment opportunities, status and working conditions, but they still face numerous forms of discrimination. Their share in the labour force has increased modestly, or even declined, and the gap between women's and men's wages is still enormous in some countries. While openings for women in the formal sector have increased the prospects for many, most female workers are still found in low-skilled and insecure jobs.