| Abstract: | Asia is crucial to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Considerable progress has been made to date. Further progress is achievable but not guaranteed. Much remains to be done, especially in South Asia. Future efforts should be informed by past successes whilst recognizing the diversity of experience. Asia still needs development assistance especially to support changes in policy; help shift priorities towards the poor; and encourage innovation. With the right policies, China can continue to substantially reduce levels of extreme poverty and South Asia could accelerate progress. Develop ment agencies need to support nationally led efforts, work with a variety of partners including Government, and target areas and sectors critical for poverty reduction in flexible ways. The Department for International Development (DFID) is increasing its budget for Asia and will continue to focus on the poorest countries and people. With political commitment and real partnership, poverty can be banished in Asia. |
