Strengthening Public Pension Systems in Asia

Asia’s population is aging and old-age income support and social services is an emerging challenge. Strengthening pension systems in Asia is therefore a key concern for inclusive development in the region. In many Asian countries, pension systems are still inadequate in terms of both coverage and delivery of stipulated benefits. This is particularly so for smaller economies of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam---or commonly referred to as CLMVT economies. A number of structural issues such as governance, regulation, and institutional and administrative capacities hinder their development. Well-designed, well-functioning, and sustainable pension systems will promote inclusive growth by supporting old-age income and providing the much-needed social safety net. These issues and challenges are discussed in these summary proceedings of the Conference on “Strengthening Public Pension Systems in Asia”, which focused on CLMVT economies organized by the Asian Development Bank and the Pacific Pension and Investment Institute on 3–4 September 2015 in Bangkok.