Taxing Digital Trade Could Speed Pandemic Recovery
Extending a value added tax (VAT) to more effectively capture e-commerce and digital services could yield significant short-term revenue and help ensure a level playing field between domestic and foreign players.
Tax Reform: Learning from Hong Kong, China’s Reform Challenges
Hong Kong, China’s tax system and prudent approach to fiscal policy are two pillars of its success. Despite this, aging and climate change will require tax reforms to ensure fiscal sustainability and competitiveness.
Sustainable Tourism for Sustainable Development
In Asia and throughout the world, tourism is a double-edged sword that brings huge benefits and serious impacts.
Strong Institutions Can Nourish Inclusive, Sustainable Green Growth
Just as strong roots are the foundation of strong trees, strong institutions underpin strong and sustainable economies.
Speaking Up for Asia’s Invisible Population
Recall the time you had to apply for a passport, driver’s license, job, or bank account. You are required to bring proof of identity, and more often than not, the most basic proof of existence would be your birth certificate. You probably know exactly where it is – tucked away in an envelope in a drawer, or perhaps a fireproof vault. This is not the case for some 230 million children around the world under the age of 5 who have not had their births registered.
Southeast Asia Needs High-Performing Public Sector to Beat COVID-19
To respond to the challenges of the pandemic and deliver services effectively, a professional civil service needs to build the values, culture and skills required to respond to complex demands and challenges.
Solving the Regional and Global Trade Jigsaw Puzzles
The rise of mega-regionals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) suggest that the world trade system is fragmenting to appear more like a jigsaw puzzle than a spaghetti bowl. How do we resolve the growing mess?
Skilling Up Youth in a Technology Driven World
What can policymakers do to provide young people with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world? How can young people themselves play a bigger role in skills development?
Six Pathways to Sustainable Procurement in Asia and the Pacific
Adopting sustainable procurement is a $13 trillion opportunity for Asia and the Pacific to achieve its economic and social goals. This will take leadership from governments and development organizations, including multilateral development banks.
Room to Play – The Missing Link in Asian Cities
No matter the urban pressures in Asia and Pacific, governments and their partners must provide spaces for communities to play and interact.