Bond Markets and Borrowing: How Asia’s Developing Countries are Managing the Pandemic
The pandemic has shown central bankers and public debt managers that innovation and creativity are needed to maintain borrowing opportunities and keep local currency bond markets functioning.
In Pakistan, Direct Cash Payments to Families are Key to Helping More Girls Stay in School
Conditional cash transfer programs, in coordination with strategic policies, can improve the educational opportunities of millions of children in Pakistan, especially girls.
In Pakistan, Private Sector Partnerships are Key to Improving Education
Enrollment has improved greatly in Pakistan in recent decades but quality and equity still needs to be addressed. Partnering with private companies could speed the process.
When Global Tourism Returns, the Silk Road Awaits
Central Asia has the opportunity to create a sustainable, safe, easily accessible, and well-known tourism destination that provides a variety of year-round, quality experiences.
Does a Healthy Economy Equate with a Healthy and Happy Population?
Wellness provides a more balanced and holistic view of a country’s development than its per capita gross domestic product. A new tool is helping policymakers measure wellness in society.
Five Keys to Expanding Central Asia’s Global Value Chains
Central Asia’s long-term economic prosperity depends upon participation in global value chains and upgrading to higher value-added activities.
In Central Asia, a Soviet-Era Electricity Network Could Power Future Energy Sharing
With expanding regional cooperation and a readily available platform, the building blocks are in place for Central Asia to achieve energy security, resilience and economic competitiveness.
Countries in Central and West Asia Must Avoid a COVID-19 Race to the Bottom
Governments in Central and West Asia must commit to reforms and get them right, or face a downward spiral. The costs of the crisis are already obvious in rising deficits and debt. There is no room for complacency.
Five Ways to Stop Corruption in Its Tracks
During the pandemic, corruption in projects could mean the difference between life and death for the poor and vulnerable.
Protecting the Remittance Lifeline from COVID-19’s Economic Fallout
Families throughout Asia and the Pacific rely on money sent by relatives overseas. These remittances are threatened by the pandemic but policy actions can help.