Some services directly produce outputs that are important for human development, such as basic human services. Many other services are important inputs into the production and distribution of goods that are necessary for human development purposes. A more efficient services sector should mean...

The growth rebalancing model, which places the nontradable services sector on center stage, is important to spur on faster growth in this sector and tap its potential to become another engine of growth for ASEAN economies. While ASEAN countries have allocated the bulk of their fiscal stimulus...

The study compiles 22 firm-specific case studies which show the importance of manufacturing-related services in global value chains. The interviewed firms, based in 12 APEC economies, come from different sectors ranging from multinational automotive and construction equipment manufacturers to...

This paper surveys studies of the importance of Central Asian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the economy and their experience during the Russian financial crisis. It also uses survey data from the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's Business...

This paper examines the performances of Asian asset management companies (AMCs). The analysis reveals that AMCs vary in their design and performance. Asset management companies can trigger moral hazard-inspired bank lending. Empirical examination of the Thai experience reveals that the moral...

This paper examines the portability of social protection (old-age, retirement, and survivor benefits) in East Asia, particularly in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and analyzes possibilities for bilateral or multilateral cooperation in social security. It discusses evidence...