Dhaka, Oct. 9 -- The theme of the World Bank's latest South Asia Economic Update is timely and relevant to the prevailing global realities and economic challenges facing South Asian countries. In particular, the challenge of job creation is of utmost priority and key to maintaining economic and social stability in South Asia, where the incidence of unemployed/underemployed educated youth is alarmingly large and growing.

The specific focus of the Update is on how to manage the downside risks of the spillover effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and trade disruptions arising from the US tariff policy for growth and employment in South Asian countries. The report presents a compelling, evidence-based case for how these emerging risks can...