Asia is on the rise with increasing significance in the global economy. In parallel, regional cooperation and integration is becoming stronger, bringing both benefits and costs. The region is diverse, and so are the challenges that must be overcome to achieve greater trade and financial...

This paper analyzes the patterns and determinants of financial integration in East Asia by using the data set of cross-border holdings of financial assets such as equity portfolio, long-term and short-term debt securities, and bank claims. Empirical analysis based on the gravity model of...

This paper provides a summary assessment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the state of financial integration in the region, with inputs from the Asian Development Bank regional technical assistance project Combined Studies on Assessing the Financial Landscape and...

This study examines the potential of remittances for promoting economic growth and reducing poverty in Asian countries using data for more than 20 countries in the region for 1988-2007. The results indicate that remittances positively affect home country real gross domestic product (GDP) per...

This report summarizes key results from a 2012 survey of businesses in Papua New Guinea. It compares the results with the 2002 and 2007 surveys and shows that, while the business environment has improved since 2002, doing business in Papua New Guinea remains extremely challenging. Continued...