Non-tertiary education

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), the focal organization for the APO Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, continues its in-depth exploration of governance dynamics across APO member economies. In this edition, we delve into Lao PDR’s unique public sector landscape.

According to the Asian Development Bank’s Lao PDR Country Partnership Strategy 2024–2029, Lao PDR is set on transforming itself into the “battery of Asia” while redefining its landlocked status as “land-linked” through strategic connectivity investments with neighboring economies. Capital-intensive investments in hydropower, mining, and transport have spurred robust growth averaging 8% annually through 2016—yet this rapid expansion has also driven rising public debt and increased vulnerability to economic and climate shocks.

Economic diversification remains constrained as the nation largely depends on a narrow export base of minerals and energy, with external demand driving growth while domestic demand and employment show signs of stagnation. Recent macroeconomic pressures, including soaring inflation and a rapidly depreciating kip, have further strained fiscal space and hindered efforts to enhance human capital investments and social sector spending.

DAP Highlights Islamic Republic of Iran Public Sector: Insights from the APO COE-PSP Factsheet

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), the focal organization for the APO Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, continues its feature on governance indicators across APO member economies. In this edition, we turn our focus to the Islamic Republic of Iran, providing a snapshot of its key performance indicators, relevant fiscal metrics and civil service statistics.

According to the World Bank’s Iran Overview, the country ranks second globally for natural gas reserves and fourth for proven crude oil reserves, yet its government remains vulnerable to external shocks such as sanctions and commodity price volatility. Iran is classified as an upper‐middle–income country with a population of approximately 88 million, and its executive authority is shared between the President and the Supreme Leader.

Despite a recent economic rebound—fueled by post-pandemic recovery in services, increased activity in the oil sector, and adaptive policy measures—Iran’s fiscal balance continues to face pressure from high inflation and the ongoing need for expansive cash transfers and subsidies. Their new five-year development plan under preparation aims to build a resilient economy, advance science and technology, and promote cultural excellence, with reforms targeting state-owned enterprises and the financial and banking sectors to optimize oil revenue management.

By examining these economic indicators, fiscal allocations, and civil service compositions, the DAP delivers actionable insights into Iran’s public sector, offering a data-driven foundation for promoting sustainable, inclusive, and effective public management.

According to a World Bank press release dated 22 January 2025, Sri Lanka is making strides toward economic recovery and long-term growth through strategic reforms and targeted investments. The government has prioritized poverty reduction, digital development, and sustainability, with a strong commitment to fostering rural development and expanding renewable energy initiatives.

The World Bank has reaffirmed its support for Sri Lanka through projects that aim to improve education, support rural communities, and establish a facility to attract private investment in renewable energy. Fiscal priorities also include enhancing the tourism sector, developing lagging regions—particularly in the North—boosting logistics as a driver of growth, and improving overall governance and service delivery.

The COE-PSP Factsheet for Sri Lanka presents a concise yet comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s public sector, highlighting key metrics such as economic indicators, budget allocations, and public service performance. By synthesizing critical data on governance, fiscal management, and service delivery, this factsheet offers invaluable insights into Sri Lanka’s development priorities and challenges as it transitions from recovery to sustained, inclusive growth.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), as the focal organization for the APO Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, curates and analyzes datasets to provide insights into the governance landscape of its member economies. This edition highlights Vietnam’s public sector.

According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Investment Climate Statements, Vietnam has seen notable economic growth, with GDP projected to expand by 7.4% in 2024. However, public debt is rising, with estimates suggesting it could reach 40% of GDP, placing pressure on fiscal management. The government’s commitment to public investment and infrastructure development remains crucial, especially considering the ongoing need for transportation and urban infrastructure modernization. Furthermore, as Vietnam grapples with rising inflation and a fluctuating currency, there is an increasing emphasis on enhancing transparency and accountability in public administration. Efforts to strengthen local governance and improve public service delivery are vital for addressing citizens’ needs, particularly in rural areas.

As the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) continues to provide in-depth insights into the public sector profiles of APO member economies. This latest edition focuses on Thailand as it aims for a balanced national economic development.

With World Bank’s July 2024 Economic Monitor estimating public debt to rise to 64.6% of GDP by F.Y. 2025, and fiscal deficit to increase to 3.6% of GDP as budget execution normalizes, Thailand’s government is facing mounting fiscal challenges. A balanced approach to fiscal sustainability and short-term stimulus measures is necessary to address the issues, including the need for increased social spending and human capital investment due to an aging population. Despite a goods trade surplus, the financial account has registered a deficit amid exchange rate depreciation and net outflows. To unlock the growth potential of the country’s secondary cities and achieve a balanced national economic development, targeted reforms in local governance and revenue generation mechanisms are critical.

Recent fiscal data and reports from the State Bank of Pakistan underscore the challenges facing the country’s public sector enterprises (PSEs), which are grappling with a mounting debt of PKR 1.7 trillion. Despite international funding, including a substantial loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the Public Sector Enterprises Reform Programme (PSERP), meaningful reforms have proven elusive. Political sensitivities surrounding the privatization of major PSEs, such as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Pakistan Steel, continue to hinder progress. With increased subsidies and credit guarantees, the government faces ongoing governance and accountability challenges. The urgent need for structural reforms is critical not only for fiscal stability but also for the sustainable development of Pakistan’s economy.

As the designated focal organization for the APO Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) continues to provide in-depth insights into the public sector profiles of APO member economies. This latest edition shines a light on the public sector profile of Bangladesh as it transitions towards a more democratic government.

Widespread unrest, economic challenges, and law and order issues have strained Bangladesh’s institutions following the resignation of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in early August, international management consultancy firm Lightcastle reports. The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Yunus, has committed to stabilizing Bangladesh through institutional reforms, re-establishing a democratic election process, and tackling corruption. Key leadership changes at institutions such as the Bangladesh Bank and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) signal a new phase of governance aimed at restoring public trust and driving economic recovery. Despite these obstacles, the younger generation is increasingly pushing for a more democratic and transparent future, fostering renewed hope for sustainable development in Bangladesh.

The DAP, as the focal organization for the APO Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, curates and transforms datasets to bring insights into the government profile of its member economies. This edition focuses on examining Fiji’s public sector.

According to the World Bank, Fiji’s public sector is significantly strengthening its fiscal and disaster resilience. Key reforms include increasing government revenue for investments in critical public services such as health and education. The new National Disaster Risk Management Bill also emphasizes improving disaster risk planning at divisional levels. Furthermore, initiatives to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, such as easing business certificate renewals for low-risk ventures, are designed to attract more private sector investments, particularly in renewable energy, ensuring Fiji’s path towards a more resilient and sustainable economy.

Based on insights from the OECD World Observatory on Subnational Government Finance and Investment, Mongolia’s public sector has seen significant reforms. Recent initiatives, such as the Governance and Decentralization Programme and the Local Development Fund, have empowered subnational governments to deepen fiscal decentralization and strengthen citizen participation. Moreover, Mongolia’s pioneering use of deliberative polling in public decision-making is truly impressive, underscoring its commitment to participatory governance and shaping the nation’s administrative and fiscal landscape.

The DAP, as the focal organization for the APO Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, curates and transforms datasets to provide insights into the public-sector profile of its member economies. This edition highlights Türkiye’s public sector.

Based on the 2024 Investment Climate Statement from the U.S. Department of State, Türkiye’s public sector remained crucial, contributing to key areas such as renewable energy promotion and infrastructure development. The government’s Medium-Term Program (2024-2026) focuses on stabilizing the economy and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), aligning with initiatives to enhance public-sector productivity and foster a more transparent, efficient investment environment.