Emerging Issues for Regional Cooperation in Asia-Pacific

Abstract

Dynamic human resources are one of the dominant factors for developing countries (DMCs) to achieve sustainable economic growth. Donors, including the ADB, are eager to help teach DMC policymakers how to formulate a wide range of public policies, such as fiscal, monetary and tax administration, project management and enforcement of laws and regulations. Although the trend is now mainly towards training using the case study method, many DMC officials lack even an elementary understanding of macro and micro theories and statistics. Frequently, policymakers in transitional economies learned only Marxist economic theories as schoolchildren. They have limited exposure to contemporary economics and current market trends. Therefore, donors should first check the educational background of their trainees closely and then consider the correct balance between practical case studies and traditional economic theories.