The Asia Foundation

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of...

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this unprecedented longitudinal examination of decentralization, the Foundation and our partners have been able to diagnose problems with precision and, more important, put forward nuanced remedies that are applicable to the highly varied conditions across this enormously complex country.

Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political...

Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and...

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess...

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess Indonesia's milestone decentralization process. It is intended to provide a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and to bring their views to the attention of national policy makers.

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and...

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between June and November 2002. The purpose of the IRDA, the second in a series of five appraisals to be conducted through 2004 is to monitor and assess Indonesia's milestone decentralization process. It is intended to provide a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and to bring their views to the attention of national policy makers.

Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to...

Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to national attention.

In Bahasa: Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these...

In Bahasa: Findings of the first Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between November 2001 and February 2002. IRDA is meant to provide a snapshot of the decentralization from local perspectives and to bring these perspectives to national attention.

A study, supported by The Asia Foundation, which analyzes economic development in Pakistan in the context of power and institutions in the country. It examines the causes of continuing development challenges, and it identifies seven strategic...

A study, supported by The Asia Foundation, which analyzes economic development in Pakistan in the context of power and institutions in the country. It examines the causes of continuing development challenges, and it identifies seven strategic "Drivers of Change" that could address these root causes for a major impact on development in Pakistan.

The 2008 PCI survey is the largest and most comprehensive assessment and ranking of the performance of provincial governments based on the views expressed by over 7,820 domestic entrepreneurs and managers from firms across Vietnam’s 64...

The 2008 PCI survey is the largest and most comprehensive assessment and ranking of the performance of provincial governments based on the views expressed by over 7,820 domestic entrepreneurs and managers from firms across Vietnam’s 64 provinces. Every year, this highly anticipated survey gauges the impact of economic and administrative reforms at both the provincial and national levels and guides the decisions of Vietnam’s policymakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Summary of The Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness Index 2008: Measuring Economic Governance for Private Sector Development. The 2008 PCI survey is the largest and most comprehensive assessment and ranking of the performance of...

Summary of The Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness Index 2008: Measuring Economic Governance for Private Sector Development. The 2008 PCI survey is the largest and most comprehensive assessment and ranking of the performance of provincial governments based on the views expressed by over 7,820 domestic entrepreneurs and managers from firms across Vietnam’s 64 provinces. Every year, this highly anticipated survey gauges the impact of economic and administrative reforms at both the provincial and national levels and guides the decisions of Vietnam’s policymakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.

In order to understand how provinces are contributing to or preventing business growth, International Finance Corporation and The Asia Foundation have collaborated in developing the Provincial Business Environment Scorecard (PBES). PBES 2009...

In order to understand how provinces are contributing to or preventing business growth, International Finance Corporation and The Asia Foundation have collaborated in developing the Provincial Business Environment Scorecard (PBES). PBES 2009 ranks all 24 provinces on the quality of their economic governance. The PBES, which was first conducted in 2006 in 10 Cambodian provinces, and in 2009 covers all 24 provinces, relies largely on the perceptions of business leaders to generate a scorecard that ranks provinces on measures of business environment quality.

This project by the Center for Research and Communication, supported by The Asia Foundation, evaluates the Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO) Transport Policy developed to reduce the high cost of transporting goods from Mindanao to Manila. The RO-RO...

This project by the Center for Research and Communication, supported by The Asia Foundation, evaluates the Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO) Transport Policy developed to reduce the high cost of transporting goods from Mindanao to Manila. The RO-RO policy's goal is to establish an integrated national highway system consisting of both road and nautical networks. The system would promote and facilitate seamless movement of people and goods from Mindanao to Luzon through the Visayas and has already delivered benefits, including reduced transport cost, increased regional trade, enhanced tourism and agricultural productivity, growth in investments, and development in the countryside as well as poverty reduction.

"Journal of International Development Cooperation," a regular journal by Korea International Cooperation Agency. Contains short papers by The Asia Foundation's Anthea Mulakala (pg. 19) and Bruce Tolentino (pg. 26) on aid effectiveness. The...

"Journal of International Development Cooperation," a regular journal by Korea International Cooperation Agency. Contains short papers by The Asia Foundation's Anthea Mulakala (pg. 19) and Bruce Tolentino (pg. 26) on aid effectiveness. The report was based on a seminar and workshop on "Best Practices in Country Assistance Strategies" jointly held in January by The Asia Foundation Korea Office and KOICA, who is responsible for Korea`s grant aid program to developing countries.

This study is an assessment of local economic governance and the enabling environment for private enterprise in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. Good economic governance is of paramount importance to the creation of a dynamic economic environment...

This study is an assessment of local economic governance and the enabling environment for private enterprise in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. Good economic governance is of paramount importance to the creation of a dynamic economic environment and sustained growth. For Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, which has been affected by civil war for over two decades, the creation of such an environment is critical to its recovery. The Asia Foundation's (The Foundation's) approach to fostering effective economic governance in Asia is grounded in recognition of the private sector as the engine for economic growth. However, private sector activity is often constrained by a wide range of institutional obstacles. To address the constraints to private sector growth, the Foundation has developed specialized tools to measure the quality of local economic governance in a country and to engage with both public and private sector actors on policy reform.

In order to understand how provinces are contributing to or preventing business growth, International Finance Corporation and The Asia Foundation have collaborated in developing the Provincial Business Environment Scorecard (PBES). PBES 2009...

In order to understand how provinces are contributing to or preventing business growth, International Finance Corporation and The Asia Foundation have collaborated in developing the Provincial Business Environment Scorecard (PBES). PBES 2009 ranks all 24 provinces on the quality of their economic governance. The PBES, which was first conducted in 2006 in 10 Cambodian provinces, and in 2009 covers all 24 provinces, relies largely on the perceptions of business leaders to generate a scorecard that ranks provinces on measures of business environment quality.

Nepal Economic Forum Report - Issue 2

The report, supported by The Asia Foundation, provides economic analysis that addresses the needs of business people, potential investors, development practitioners, management professionals,...

Nepal Economic Forum Report - Issue 2

The report, supported by The Asia Foundation, provides economic analysis that addresses the needs of business people, potential investors, development practitioners, management professionals, academics and students both in Nepal and abroad. It covers international economy, real estate, manufacturing, tourism, education, foreign aid, and more over the last quarter of fiscal 2009/2010 and the first quarter of 2010/2011.

A Measure of Economic Governance at the District Level (June 2010)

The Asia Foundation releases a pioneering survey ranking the business-friendliness in 19 districts in Bangladesh. 3,800 firms – many of them micro, small, and...

A Measure of Economic Governance at the District Level (June 2010)

The Asia Foundation releases a pioneering survey ranking the business-friendliness in 19 districts in Bangladesh. 3,800 firms – many of them micro, small, and medium-sized businesses – were polled on their perceptions of the local business environment, such as entry costs, transparency, informal charges, tax administration, and land security.

Nepal Economic Forum Report - Issue 4

This series of quarterly reports, supported by The Asia Foundation, provides analysis on Nepal's economy. This issue provides a general overview of the overall macroeconomic state of Nepal's...

Nepal Economic Forum Report - Issue 4

This series of quarterly reports, supported by The Asia Foundation, provides analysis on Nepal's economy. This issue provides a general overview of the overall macroeconomic state of Nepal's economy, and analyzes capital markets and the ongoing Visit Nepal 2011 year.

Since its inception in 2005, the Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) has been a critical tool for measuring and assessing the standards of economic governance in Vietnam's 64 provinces from the perspective of private sector...

Since its inception in 2005, the Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) has been a critical tool for measuring and assessing the standards of economic governance in Vietnam's 64 provinces from the perspective of private sector businesses. However, while the PCI has been influential in identifying issues that impact the enabling environment for private sector development, it cannot provide detailed feedback on what provincial governments can actually do to improve economic governance, and thereby support private sector development. In repeated conversations with provincial and national-level policy-makers, The Foundation has found that policy-makers are increasingly aware that there are governance problems at the provincial-level, but do not have the research and technical support to understand what specific reforms are most effective in improving the governance environment. The primary objective of the research is to map best practices in transparency/access to information that can be formulated into targeted technical assistance packages. The research includes both quantitative analysis of the PCI dataset and qualitative analysis of the case studies.

Since its inception in 2005, the Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) has been a critical tool for measuring and assessing the standards of economic governance in Vietnam's 64 provinces from the perspective of private sector...

Since its inception in 2005, the Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) has been a critical tool for measuring and assessing the standards of economic governance in Vietnam's 64 provinces from the perspective of private sector businesses. However, while the PCI has been influential in identifying issues that impact the enabling environment for private sector development, it cannot provide detailed feedback on what provincial governments can actually do to improve economic governance, and thereby support private sector development. In repeated conversations with provincial and national-level policy-makers, The Foundation has found that policy-makers are increasingly aware that there are governance problems at the provincial-level, but do not have the research and technical support to understand what specific reforms are most effective in improving the governance environment. The primary objective of the research is to map best practices in transparency/access to information that can be formulated into targeted technical assistance packages. The research includes both quantitative analysis of the PCI dataset and qualitative analysis of the case studies.

The global financial crisis has impacted negatively Vietnam's export and GDP growth, highlighting fundamental weaknesses in the country's economic structure and growth strategy. While export clearly will continue to play an important role in...

The global financial crisis has impacted negatively Vietnam's export and GDP growth, highlighting fundamental weaknesses in the country's economic structure and growth strategy. While export clearly will continue to play an important role in Vietnam's economic growth strategy, improving the competitiveness of exporting companies is crucial for Vietnam if the country is to enhance its export value and solve the trade deficit puzzle. The Foundation's assisted CIEM to research the competitiveness of exporting firms in Vietnam with a focus on three sectors: garments, seafood and electronic products. The research examines the characteristics, the nature and influencing factors affecting the competitiveness of the three selected sectors. The Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) is the leading research institute of the Ministry of Planning and Investment tasked with advising the government on economic policy. Findings from the research will contribute to recommendations to the government that will help facilitate Vietnam's sustainable growth and development.

(In Vietnamese) The Asia Foundation's "Community based tourism for handicraft villages in Bac Ninh" project supported three villages to develop and manage community-based tourism models designed to involve and benefit poorer communities. This...

(In Vietnamese) The Asia Foundation's "Community based tourism for handicraft villages in Bac Ninh" project supported three villages to develop and manage community-based tourism models designed to involve and benefit poorer communities. This guidance document was developed to share experiences on the development of community-based tourism to improve livelihoods in other localities in Vietnam.

Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research...

Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM-FEUI) implemented a comprehensive survey of domestic trucking costs along nine routes in Indonesia. The survey explicitly examined licensing costs, road charges and the costs associated with poor infrastructure. Through GPS tracking and interviews with firm managers and truck drivers, the survey identifies exactly who is charging drivers, where they are being charged and how much.

Bahasa Indonesia version - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for...

Bahasa Indonesia version - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM-FEUI) implemented a comprehensive survey of domestic trucking costs along nine routes in Indonesia. The survey explicitly examined licensing costs, road charges and the costs associated with poor infrastructure. Through GPS tracking and interviews with firm managers and truck drivers, the survey identifies exactly who is charging drivers, where they are being charged and how much.

(Small version - no graphics) - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute...

(Small version - no graphics) - Road Transportation, Regulations and Charges in Indonesia. To assess the size and nature of domestic road transportation costs, The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the University of Indonesia's Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM-FEUI) implemented a comprehensive survey of domestic trucking costs along nine routes in Indonesia. The survey explicitly examined licensing costs, road charges and the costs associated with poor infrastructure. Through GPS tracking and interviews with firm managers and truck drivers, the survey identifies exactly who is charging drivers, where they are being charged and how much.

Indonesian version of Local Economic Governance Index, 2007.
This year's Local Economic Governance Survey provides a fascinating look into the dynamics of local governance and business development in Indonesia nearly a decade after...

Indonesian version of Local Economic Governance Index, 2007.
This year's Local Economic Governance Survey provides a fascinating look into the dynamics of local governance and business development in Indonesia nearly a decade after regional autonomy. More than ever, citizens and businesses are pressing to know how well local governments are using their authority to provide better public services and improve their business climates. This is the sixth survey of a research program begun in 2001 by KPPOD, with support from the Asia Foundation. Each year the scope has expanded, beginning with 90 districts (2001), then 134 districts (2002), 200 districts (2003), 214 districts (2004), 228 districts (2005) and finally 243 districts this year.

This year's Indonesia Local Economic Governance Survey provides a fascinating look into the dynamics of local governance and business development in Indonesia nearly a decade after regional autonomy. More than ever, citizens and businesses are...

This year's Indonesia Local Economic Governance Survey provides a fascinating look into the dynamics of local governance and business development in Indonesia nearly a decade after regional autonomy. More than ever, citizens and businesses are pressing to know how well local governments are using their authority to provide better public services and improve their business climates. This is the sixth survey of a research program begun in 2001 by KPPOD, with support from the Asia Foundation. Each year the scope has expanded, beginning with 90 districts (2001), then 134 districts (2002), 200 districts (2003), 214 districts (2004), 228 districts (2005) and finally 243 districts this year.