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on South East Asia |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Office of Regional Economic Integration, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Office of Regional Economic Integration, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | This publication reviews recent developments in East Asian local currency bond markets along with the outlook, risks, and policy options. It covers the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus the People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; and the Republic of Korea. |
| Keywords: | bonds; local currency; foreign currency; bond yields; emerging East Asia; bonds outstanding; bond issuance; bond market; foreign investor holdings; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; Viet Nam; liquidity; liquidity survey; bid-ask spreads; turnover ratio; government bonds; corporate bonds; structural issues; on-the-run; off-the-run; trading volume; treasury bonds; quantitative indicators |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rps146979-2&r=sea |
| By: | Medalla, Erlinda M. |
| Abstract: | With overlapping, multiple free trade agreements (FTAs), such as the case of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the various ASEAN+1 FTAs, complications that run counter to the economic integration objectives of the East Asian region could arise. Forging the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) among ASEAN and its FTA partners is a next logical step. How facilitative the rules of origin (ROO) provisions are could prove crucial in maximizing the potential benefits. This paper revisits the nature of ROOs in ASEAN and the various ASEAN+1 FTAs to examine the surrounding constraints and issues, as well as to provide recommendations on the beneficial set of ROOs for the RCEP and serve as inputs for policymakers and negotiators. |
| Keywords: | rules of origin, free trade agreements (FTAs), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, ASEAN+1 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2015-29&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Southeast Asia Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Southeast Asia Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | This publication is a comparative analysis of the provision of infrastructure in the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Thailand. It presents a comparative assessment of the two countries with the purpose of learning from the experience of others. Those interested in identifying the similarities and di erences in infrastructure development between a developed country and a middle-income country may fi nd this report helpful. It seeks to explain and interpret the outcomes in each country and their signifi cance to current institutional arrangements. |
| Keywords: | infrastructure, Republic of Korea, Thailand, infrastructure investment, transport, ICT, energy, water, sanitation, regional connectivity, environment, industrial policy, sustainable growth, poverty reduction, roads, railways |
| Date: | 2014–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt146256-2&r=sea |
| By: | Peter McDonald (The Australian National University) |
| Abstract: | From the demographic perspective, the 21st century is the population ageing century. Population ageing is well underway in all Asian countries as a result of the spectacular falls in both fertility and mortality rates in the second half of the 20th century. |
| Keywords: | Demographic Trends, Asian Century, Intergenerational Policy |
| JEL: | J11 J14 J18 |
| Date: | 2015–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:wpaper:24833&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economics and Research Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economics and Research Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | Cambodia has enjoyed over 2 decades of robust growth, with rising foreign investment and deepening integration into global and regional value chains. The country—once riven by civil war and conflict—is now politically stable and increasingly making its mark as the world’s eighth-largest rice producer, Asia’s 10thlargest garment exporter, and a rising tourist destination. Yet Cambodia faces considerable challenges. It suffers from major infrastructure deficits; limited skills development and education quality; and weaknesses in governance. Fiscal resources are also stretched. Moreover, for a successful transition to a modern industrialized economy, Cambodia needs to diversify and upgrade its productive capabilities. This publication examines the opportunities and the challenges, and offers recommendations for long-term socioeconomic strategy. |
| Keywords: | Cambodia, economic growth and development, human capital and decent employment, infrastructure development, weaknesses in governance, stretched fiscal resources, social protection, diversification, upgrading of productive capabilities, Rectangular Strategy, country diagnostic study, access to social services, garments industry, tourism, product space analysis, constraints to growth, constraints to inclusiveness |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt146996-2&r=sea |
| By: | Omar McDoom; Rachel M. Gisselquist |
| Keywords: | Ethnic relations, Religion |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp2015-022&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Regional and Sustainable Development Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Regional and Sustainable Development Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | The transport sector is key to the continued economic development of Asia and the Pacific. By improving connectivity and making the movement of goods and people more affordable, transport contributes to economic growth, efficiency, and competitiveness while providing poor people with access to economic opportunities and services. Various components of the transport infrastructure are exposed and vulnerable to climate change. This is of particular concern to countries in Asia and the Pacific which will experience significant adverse impacts from a changing climate. The Asian Development Bank has put in place a systematic framework guiding the conduct of climate risk and vulnerability assessments of investment projects. Ongoing initiatives will address some of the key challenges encountered when conducting climate risk and vulnerability assessments, including access to readily available climate change information. |
| Keywords: | climate change; adaptation; climate technology |
| Date: | 2014–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt146741-2&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Regional and Sustainable Development Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Regional and Sustainable Development Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | Asia and the Pacific region is expected to be hit hard by the impacts of climate change. Developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are among the most vulnerable, with seven of the top ten vulnerable countries being in the region. Scaling-up of mitigation and adaptation efforts are among ADB’s mid-term priorities for 2020. ADB is reaffirming its commitment to invest $2 billion annually in clean energy. ADB also aims for $30 billion more for sustainable transport by 2021. Enhancing focus on adaptation, the linkage between disaster risk management and adaptation, and climate financing are also priority action areas for ADB’s assistance to DMCs. This publication seeks to address these concerns by showcasing a number of useful technologies that can be used to address the impact of climate change across six sectors: agriculture, coastal resources, human health, transportation, water resources, and disaster risk management. The solutions presented may serve to demystify the technologies surrounding adaptation options. |
| Keywords: | climate change; adaptation; climate technology; vulnerability |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt146719-3&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (East Asia Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (East Asia Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | This report provides an overview of important urban poverty questions. What defines urban poverty and how is urban poverty being measured? What other factors beyond consumption poverty need to be tackled? Who are the urban poor? What relations exist between urban poverty and city size? What linkages exist between urbanization, income, and urban poverty? What policy responses to urban poverty are implemented in selected Asian countries? The report served as a background study for the International Policy Workshop on Urban Poverty and Inclusive Cities in Asia, organized by the Asian Development Bank and the International Poverty Reduction Center held from 24–25 June 2013 in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, the People’s Republic of China. |
| Keywords: | Poverty reduction, urban development, urbanization, urban poor, income poverty |
| Date: | 2014–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt146730-2&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Regional and Sustainable Development Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Regional and Sustainable Development Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | Asia and the Pacific region is expected to be hit hard by the impacts of climate change. Developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are among the most vulnerable, with seven of the top ten vulnerable countries being in the region. Scaling-up of mitigation and adaptation efforts are among ADB’s mid-term priorities for 2020. ADB is reaffirming its commitment to invest $2 billion annually in clean energy. ADB also aims for $30 billion more for sustainable transport by 2021. Enhancing focus on adaptation, the linkage between disaster risk management and adaptation, and climate financing are also priority action areas for ADB’s assistance to DMCs. This publication seeks to address these concerns by showcasing a number of useful technologies that can be used to address the impact of climate change across six sectors: agriculture, coastal resources, human health, transportation, water resources, and disaster risk management. The solutions presented may serve to demystify the technologies surrounding adaptation options. |
| Keywords: | climate change; adaptation; climate technology; vulnerability |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt146982-3&r=sea |
| By: | Roth, Christopher; Sumarto, Sudarno |
| Abstract: | Can the government increase tolerance among its citizens by providing them with more schooling? We exploit a large school building program from Indonesia to examine the causal relationship between education and attitudes towards people from a different ethnicity and religion. Our generalized difference-in-differences estimates suggest that receiving more education causes an increase in interethnic and interreligious tolerance. Specifically, a one standard d eviation increase in education results in a .4 standard deviation increase in tolerance. We demonstrate robustness of results and show that the common trend assumption is satisfied. Subsequently, we shed light light on several mechanisms: first, treated individuals are more likely to migrate, to live in cities and to work in occupations outside of agriculture. This in turn, increases their incomes and the religious and economic diversity of their social environment. Second, we employ an additional identification strategy to show that the educational content under Suharto emphasizing the national unity of Indonesia is an important mechanism underlying the estimated treatment effects. |
| Keywords: | Racism, Tolerance, Education, Natural Experiment |
| JEL: | D02 H4 I2 |
| Date: | 2015–05–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:64558&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economics and Research Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economics and Research Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | Cambodia has a potential advantage in agricultural production due to significant amounts of fertile land and high levels of agricultural employment, but rice production and commercialization remain well below this potential. This study uses a farm investment climate assessment to provide evidence on key areas where government investments and policy reforms can lead to higher levels of rice production and commercialization in small farms. Improving output markets through domestic milling and increasing the area irrigated are found to be related to increased production efficiency, commercialization, rice sold, and value of sales. In contrast, access to finance, agricultural skill development, improvements in the legal environment, and increased physical infrastructure have no observable relationship with production and commercialization. Nevertheless, these aspects do have importance in potentially improving allocative efficiency in land where land holdings shift from less skilled and less productive farms into the hands of more productive ones. Since increased farm size is one of the most important factors for raising the levels of farm production and commercialization, investment climate factors that induce reallocation of land may potentially have greater value over the long term than those that only affect short-term production. |
| Keywords: | Cambodia; Agriculture Production; Rice Sector; Asian Development Bank |
| Date: | 2014–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt146708-2&r=sea |
| By: | Amadou Boly |
| Abstract: | Based on a unique panel dataset consisting of both formal and informal firms surveyed every other year from 2005 to 2013, this paper explores the benefits of formalization to the government and firm employees in Vietnam. We find that formalization benefits the government by increasing the amount and the likelihood of tax payments. Formalization also increases the wage level paid by firms that shift out of the informal sector, as well as the share of wages in value added. Our results are therefore supportive of governments. efforts to reduce the size of the informal sector by promoting formalization. |
| Keywords: | Income, Informal sector (Economics), Tax evasion, Taxation, Wages |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp2015-042&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Southeast Asia Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Southeast Asia Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | Cambodia’s new national poverty lines show higher historical poverty rates and a dramatic decline in poverty during the 2007–2009 global financial crisis. With 18.9% of the population being poor in 2012, Cambodia now counts among the countries with the most rapid poverty reduction in the world. However, many people moved only slightly above the poverty line—remaining highly vulnerable—and poverty is increasing both in urban areas and according to the international poverty line of $2 per day. This report includes an in-depth look at household debt and vulnerability, the multidimensional nature of poverty, and tools for targeting support to the poor. |
| Keywords: | Poverty reduction, gender, woman, savings, loans, poverty estimate, poverty model |
| Date: | 2014–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt146839&r=sea |
| By: | Strupat, Christoph |
| Abstract: | This paper examines empirically whether midwifes, as an integral part of the health and family planning programs in Indonesia, are effective in advising young women to delay their first birth and also influence the decision on post-primary school attendance. Using the Indonesian Family Life Survey, I investigate the extent to which the exogenous expansion of a midwife program affects the age at first birth and the number of school years of women. My findings suggest that women who were exposed to a midwife when they have to decide on further school attendance (age 13-20) delay their first birth and also stay longer in post-primary school. According to the average returns of education in Indonesia, I conclude that family planning services provided by midwifes can generate large socioeconomic benefits by allowing young women to postpone their first birth. |
| Abstract: | Ab den 1990er Jahren wurden im Rahmen des nationalen Gesundheits- und Familienplanungsprogramms 50,000 Hebammen in viele ländliche Gebiete Indonesiens entsandt. Diese Intervention der indonesischen Regierung hatte neben der Verbesserung der gesundheitlichen Versorgung auch das Ziel, das Alter der ersten Geburt durch die Verbreitung von Informationen und Verhütungsmitteln für Frauen zu erhöhen. Konkret sollten Frauen ihr erstes Kind erst ab dem 20. Lebensjahr bekommen. Das Papier untersucht mit Daten des Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), inwieweit dieses Ziel erreicht wurde. Unter Verwendung eines DiD-Schätzverfahrens zeigen die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung, dass die Intervention das Alter bei der ersten Geburt signifikant erhöht und ein hoher Anteil von Frauen ihr erstes Kind erst nach dem 20. Lebensjahr bekommt. Weiterhin konnte gezeigt werden, dass die betroffenen Frauen länger in weiterführende Schulen gehen und somit die Dienstleistungen der Hebammen indirekt den Bildungsabschluss von Frauen beeinflussen. |
| Keywords: | family planning,midwifes,fertility,education |
| JEL: | J13 I12 O12 |
| Date: | 2014 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:rwirep:503&r=sea |
| By: | Mohd Safian, Edie Ezwan; Nawawi, Abdul Hadi; Atan Sipan, Ibrahim |
| Abstract: | Purpose-built office (PBO) market in Malaysia has shown positive developments and increasing level of competitiveness. Many characteristics of PBO were unveiled by virtue of recent studies, market demand, technology growth and new guidelines such as office classification, green building and other related sustainable assessment in order to fulfill the property market participants need. As a result, the characteristics of Malaysian’s PBO have become more complex. More importantly, the increasing complexity of characteristics would entail greater needs on their influence on the rental levels of the PBO space. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research in the country that had actually studied in detail the influence of both the building and locational characteristics on rental levels alone in Malaysia. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to determine the building and locational characteristics of PBO and their relationship with rentals in the Malaysia's office property market. Integral to achieving this objective, various characteristics that cover all fields are grouped under eight categories namely presentation, management, functionality, services, access and circulation, location, green building and amenities. In line with the gap of knowledge in relation to the need to adopt a more consumer oriented approach and the utilisation of high level spatial technology to refine the measurement of variables, quantitative methods namely are Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in combination with Geo-information System (GIS) were used to analyse the importance as well as the quality level of these characteristics. Correlation analysis was also applied to analyse the relationship between these characteristics of PBO and rental. In the context of benefiting from a plethora of variables, Golden Triangle area of Kuala Lumpur was selected to provide data on the PBO. |
| Keywords: | Building; location; characteristics; purpose-built office; quality; rental. |
| JEL: | R3 |
| Date: | 2014–04–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:64908&r=sea |
| By: | Suriyasarn, Busakorn |
| Keywords: | sex discrimination, sexual orientation, gender roles, human rights, employment opportunity, workplace violence, social exclusion, legal aspect, Thailand, discrimination fondée sur le sexe, orientation sexuelle, rôles de genre, droits de l'homme, possibilités d'emploi, violence au travail, exclusion sociale, aspect juridique, Thaïlande, discriminación por razones de sexo, orientación sexual, papeles de los géneros, derechos humanos, oportunidades de empleo, violencia en el trabajo, exclusión social, aspecto jurídico, Tailandia |
| Date: | 2015 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ilo:ilowps:487845&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economics and Research Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economics and Research Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | The urban metabolism framework maps the activities of cities from their consumption of materials, the different activities associated with those processes, and the wastes produced. Information generated provides a diagnostic tool for identifying high waste generating or inefficient activities and identifying potential points of policy intervention. A streamlined urban metabolism approach based on material flow analyses was applied to six Asian cities—Bangalore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Seoul and Shanghai. The streamlined approach surmounts the lack of city level data, which is often cited as the most significant limitation preventing material flow analysis at the city level. Extension of the methodology to cover more cities can contribute towards creating benchmarks for city typologies. |
| Keywords: | Urbanization; Urban Metabolism; Asian Development Bank |
| Date: | 2014–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt146817-2&r=sea |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Pacific Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Pacific Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | Over the last decade, Timor-Leste has made substantial progress in state building and strengthening the economy, governance, and infrastructure. Gender equality has been a fundamental principle in these e orts and remains key to achieving sustainable development into the future. This assessment examines gender issues across the di erent socioeconomic sectors of Timor-Leste, such as health, education, work, and political participation. It brings together existing research and data for a comprehensive overview of gender disparities in Timor-Leste and presents a valuable benchmark of progress toward gender equality goals. |
| Keywords: | gender and development, education, health and well-being, work and economic empowerpent, Timor-Leste |
| Date: | 2014–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rps146652-2&r=sea |