Book excerpt: Acclaim for previous editions: 'The UNIDO International Yearbook of Industrial Statistics is now a classic reference. . . which constitutes a unique statistical tool for analyzing the world industry and aims at facilitating the comparison of industrial systems. The different editions of the Yearbook provide a unique statistical tool for analyzing the world industry.' Revue d'Economie Industrielle / Industrial Economics Review 'This annual publication seems to be the only international publication providing worldwide statistics on current performance and trends in the manufacturing sector. In terms of comprehensiveness, accuracy, and cross-country comparisons this volume is unparalleled . . . If you are looking for an authoritative source for comparative international statistics on industrial information, this is it.' Andrea Meyer, Business Information Alert 'This is a unique and massive effort by UNIDO providing comparative statistics on current performance and trends in the manufacturing sector worldwide . . . There is no doubt that the volume is a most important source book for economists, planners and policymakers.' Pradosh Nath, Journal of Science and Industrial Research 'UNIDO has done well to bridge gaps in information noticed so far in industrial statistics worldwide and its companionship and usefulness will be realised by all users of this documentation in governmental, industrial and academic circles, as a must on every working desk. Its reliability is fully backed up by authoritative analysis.' Rajinder Kunmar, Marketing and Management News A unique and comprehensive source of information, this book is the only international publication providing economists, planners, policymakers and business people with worldwide statistics on current performance and trends in the manufacturing sector. The Yearbook is designed to facilitate international comparisons relating to manufacturing activity and industrial development and performance. It provides data which can be used to analyse patterns of growth and related long term trends, structural change and industrial performance in individual industries. Statistics on employment patterns, wages, consumption and gross output and other key indicators are also presented.