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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.

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 Pakistan’s public sector.

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.

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 public-sector profile of its member economies. This edition focuses on examining the public sector of India.

Based on the International Labor Organization’s report, India’s public sector contributes 14% to its GDP and is actively implementing programs to upskill and reskill its employees to meet future demands. These initiatives align with the Digital India vision, aiming to enhance efficiency and service delivery through AI-powered automation.

The DAP, serving as the focal organization for the APO’s Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity, recently hosted a Needs Assessment Workshop with its member economies. Focusing on the public sector of Indonesia, Nadiah Suhaima Ghina from the Ministry of State Secretariat and Rizki Sari Eka Putri from the Ministry of Home Affairs shared key insights through this factsheet.

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

Based on the Bertelsmann Transformation Index Country Report 2024, the public sector of Taiwan exhibited a high degree of stability and functionality, characterized by robust democratic institutions. Taiwan’s government demonstrated resilience and effectiveness in managing various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Discover the intricacies of South Korea’s public sector in our latest factsheet. Learn key insights and trends curated from reliable sources, offering valuable perspectives among APO member economies.

Also one of the organization’s founding members in 1961, South Korea surpassed the OECD average in satisfaction with public services. Approximately 74% and 75% express satisfaction with the healthcare system and administrative services, respectively, exceeding the corresponding averages of 68% and 63% based on the OECD 2023 Country Notes.