International Finance

Category : Economy

Improved South-Southeast Asia Connectivity Key to Boosting Trade, Rebalancing Economy

Technology the key in Boosting trade between South East Asia and South Asia. April 28, 2013: Better connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia – through hardware and associated software – can unlock the full benefits of closer economic ties between the two subregions and help rebalance Asian growth toward domestic and regional markets, delegates...

Asia’s Last Safety Net: Pensions in an Aging Continent

Many governments are now confronted by a substantial and highly vulnerable segment of the population in urgent need of some form of social protection, largely because older people are disproportionately affected by poverty. As the region’s families change and populations age, the elderly are being left behind. National pension systems, and creative policy decisions, are...

Reforming Corporate Financial Reporting: Lessons from REPARIS

The international financial crisis has had a serious impact on the countries of the Europe and Central Asia region. Growth is slower, unemployment is higher, public debt has soared, and trust in the stability of banks has been eroded. The Role of Financial Reporting in the Policy Response to the Financial Crisis The international financial...

Why Urbanization May Benefit the Environment

Urbanization brings higher productivity because of its positive externalities, economies of scale and build green industrial zones to attract manufacturing. Urbanization degrades the environment, according to conventional wisdom. This view has led many developing countries to limit rural – urban migration and curb urban expansion. But this view is incorrect. There are a number of...

Fiscal Reforms Adapt To China’s Condition

China’s fiscal revenues are still relatively low compared to OECD countries, making it difficult to allocate adequate public resources to social development. It is a welcome step that [People’s Republic of] China’s new leaders have stated their intention to focus on not just the trajectory but the quality, efficiency and sustainability of economic growth. This...

Thailand makes Significant Improvements in Corporate Governance practices

Thailand as a regional leader in corporate governance with a relatively comprehensive framework and has achieved high levels of compliance in a number of key areas. Bangkok, April 25, 2013 – A World Bank report analysing Thailand’s corporate governance framework finds that while Thailand has undertaken significant reforms that have enhanced corporate governance, key challenges remain....

Africa’s Growth Rate Ahead of Other Regions; but Growth Must Lead to Equality

African Ministers of Finance, during a press briefing discussed Africa’s steady growth in the past decade, regional trade, and open borders. WASHINGTON, April 25, 2013—African Ministers of Finance, during a press briefing April 20th at the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, discussed Africa’s steady growth in the past decade, regional trade, and open borders.  The ministers...

Asia’s Cooperation Insufficient

Globalization, trade liberalization, supply chains and production networks. Combined, these factors have transformed Asia over the recent decades. Globalization, trade liberalization, supply chains and production networks. Combined, these factors have transformed Asia over the recent decades. Breaking down barriers to doing business across borders in Asia – economic integration – continues to deepen on its...

Transforming Beyond ‘Factory Asia’ key to keeping Economies Strong

“Huge investments must be made in education and skills training that are appropriate for the needs of the future. For any of this evolution to proceed, the right infrastructure must be in place.” NEW DELHI, INDIA – Developing Asia must invest in skills, technologies, and the private sector to move beyond low-cost manufacturing and ensure...