2017 saw the continued expansion of South Asian economies, although this growth was also underpinned by development issues, and in the case of India, the aftermath of demonetisation. Below we take a look at some of the main economic and developmental challenges facing the growing economies of India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and their potential solutions, in our six most popular articles on economy and development. 

Demonetisation, digitisation and narrow definitions of nationalism: Arun Jaitley’s visit to LSE

During his recent visit to the UK, the Minister of Finance of the Government of India Mr Arun Jaitley visited LSE to discuss his economic vision for India and engage in an audience discussion. The 100 Foot Journey Club event, held in partnership with the High Commission of India, was jointly hosted by the South Asia Centre and Financial Markets Group Research Centre. In this post, some of the LSE staff and students who participated in the event reflect on the Minister’s presentation and responses to their questions.

Strengthening infrastructure governance in Nepal 

The development narrative in Nepal often focusses almost exclusively on how to raise funds for Nepal’s considerable infrastructure needs. Ashutosh Mani Dixit and Bishal K Chalise supplement this with robust framework to ensure resources are used efficiently.

Sri Lanka-China trade relations: Time to focus on unexplored Chinese markets

In recent years, trade between China and Sri Lanka has grown rapidly. N.R. Ravindra Deyshappriya outlines the significant trade imbalance that has developed as a result and highlights the potential for the island nation to export more products in which it has comparative advantage to its East Asian neighbour.

Understanding economic inclusion: A perspective on Nepal

Missing infrastructure is inhibiting the connection between rural homes and businesses and urban customers and suppliers in Nepal. Ashutosh Mani Dixit suggests that a policy rethink is needed to ensure economic inclusion for rural populations. 

The six biggest challenges facing Pakistan’s urban future 

Pakistan is among the most urbanised countries of South Asia. As challenges mount, urban planning is gradually finding space in the policy discourse. In the first of three blog posts on Pakistan’s rapid urbanisation, Hina Shaikh and Ijaz Nabi discuss the pace of urbanisation and the major problems associated with it. This will be followed by posts on how the government is responding to the challenges and how and whether the research community is engaged in seeking solutions.

Despite security challenges, Afghanistan’s education system has come a long way

On 10 July 2017, the LSE’s Department of International Development hosted an event on The Role of Higher Education in Ensuring Afghanistan’s Prosperous Future. The participants included Dr Kenneth Holland, President at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF); Dr Said Tayeb Jawad, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the UK; and award winning anchor and correspondent Yalda Hakim. Here, the co-chair of the event Dr Sajjan Gohel discusses the role education can serve to build the human capital necessary to place the country on a secure and stable path, and what role the international community can play to support Afghanistan at this critical juncture.

Read more of South Asia @ LSE’s economy and development articles via the archives.

Cover image: People queuing outside a bank in Darjeeling following demonetisation in November 2016. Image credit: Monito, Flickr

Note: This article gives the views of the authors, and not the position of the South Asia @ LSE blog, nor of the London School of Economics. Please read our comments policy before posting.