Catalog

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p. 10 of 29 BACK | NEXT Executive Summary I. Introduction II. Development Challenges III. Key Variables Influencing Development A. Vulnerability B. Political Stability and Good Governance C. Capacity and Skills D. Sociocultural Context E. Population Growth Rates F. Physical, Technological, and Financial Infrastructure IV. External Assistance V. Review of ADB Assistance and Strategy VI. The New Pacific Strategy

A Pacific Strategy for the New Millennium : III. Key Variables Influencing Development

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A. Vulnerability

26. Vulnerability is a severe constraint to sustainable development. Some of the key factors determining development outcomes are immutable. Location (relative isolation) and small size of the market and resources fall into this category, and continue to constrain development opportunities. Improvements in telecommunications and information technology (IT) can overcome some consequences of remoteness. Environmental and economic vulnerability are also givens. However, governments can influence the degree of preparedness for and response to natural disasters, and control the macroeconomic response to external instability. The following Box provides a more detailed discussion of vulnerability.

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