This report investigates the specific impact of economic globalization on human development indicators across the South Asian region. The Mahbub ul Haq Human Development Centre, founded by the late Dr. Mahbub ul Haq, utilizes this report to provide a rigorous analytical framework for understanding how the movement of goods, services, and finance influences the quality of life for populations in South Asia. By synthesizing regional data, the authors argue that economic integration must be evaluated through the lens of human welfare rather than purely market-driven metrics.

Experts and policymakers frequently cite this report as a foundational document for understanding the regional socio-economic landscape of South Asia at the turn of the millennium. Readers often note the academic density of the prose and the depth of the statistical analysis provided by the Centre.