This paper provides an overview of the development of the conceptual framework underlying social protection programming and policy among the key international development institutions active in this sector. It sets out the historical, institutional and political factors underlying the current...

This paper reviews the developments, challenges and issues in e-commerce in Southeast Asian countries. Given its implications for public policy, it focuses on e-commerce using the Internet. The review covers the developments in transaction values, the state of infrastructure (communication...

This paper attempts to analyze governance systems in Southeast Asia and proposes some policy suggestions that can improve governance practices in the region. It also discusses the links between governance and official development assistance and the role of the Japan Bank for International...

Microfinance is an emerging important financial subsector in Asian transition countries. Its role is to improve financial access of the poor and small economic players and thus help them to build assets, thereby contribute to poverty alleviation. This paper provides an overview of rural finance...

This paper describes some emerging innovations in microfinance observed in Southeast Asian microfinance markets that make it possible for microfinance institutions (MFIs) to reach a greater number of poor households on a sustainable basis. It discusses the nature, importance and types of...

Going by the statements of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan's top priority with regards to regional and bilateral economic partnerships (EPA) is to carryout the framework of its EPA with ASEAN by 2012 or earlier. It must be stressed that Japan is economically interested in the whole...

This book examines the institutional changes taking place in, and challenges facing, the region since 1997. It also describes various differences in the reform process between countries in the region. Sjöholm and Tongzon argue that the economies of southeast Asia need to reform their...

In den nächsten Jahren wird Deutschland in zunehmendem Maß auf Fachkräfte aus dem Ausland angewiesen sein, um zu vermeiden, dass es durch das Ausscheiden der geburtenstarken Jahrgänge der Babyboomer am Arbeitsmarkt zu Lücken kommt, die Wachstum und Wohlstand gefährden. Gleichzeitig...

Mitte Februar fanden in Indonesien die weltweit größten Wahlen statt - und das an einem einzigen Tag. Rund 205 Millionen Wahlberechtigte wurden an die Urnen gerufen, um einen neuen Präsidenten, einen neuen Vizepräsidenten sowie fast 20 000 Abgeordnete für das nationale Parlament, die...