Has the region learned to live with high oil prices? What kinds of opportunities and challenges does China present to trading nations in Asia and the Pacific? How do Central Asian countries cope with the appreciation of their currencies in the face of rising oil prices?

These are some of the questions answered in the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2007, which will be launched by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap) next Wednesday in major cities throughout the region and elsewhere, says the United States Information Service. The survey looks at the most critical issues, challenges and risks in the Asia-Pacific in the months ahead.

One of the highlights of the report - entitled "Surging Ahead in Uncertain Times" - is a special chapter that addresses the economic cost of gender discrimination. In the report, Escap estimates financial losses of US$42 billion to $47 billion (Bt1.47 trillion to Bt1.64 trillion), due to restrictions on women's access to employment opportunities and gender gaps in education and health in the region.

The survey is one of the main documents prepared for Escap's annual Commission Session, which will be held from May 17-23 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. During the session, Escap members will endorse the commission's work plan and priorities for the future.