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Asia
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Socially balanced economic development
German development cooperation with Asian states is intended to help retain and boost the economic dynamism of the region as a locomotive for poverty reduction. Participation of the poor in economic growth is to be stepped up. With this aim in mind, Germany promotes measures in the following areas:
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Strengthening competitiveness, especially in smaller and medium-sized economies
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Developing social welfare and services systems
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Integrating the informal sector.
Strengthening competitiveness, especially in smaller and medium-sized economies
In order that still more people can free themselves from poverty self-reliantly, Germany is helping its partner countries to improve frameworks for private enterprise. The provision of economic policy advice on improving the business and investment climate aims to help small and medium-sized Asian economies in particular to better meet the challenges of globalisation and to make the most of the opportunities offered.
In addition to promoting small and medium-sized enterprises and developing an efficient and stable finance system, it is important to better align vocational training with the requirements of the labour market. Advisory services in the field of trade policy also promote regional and global integration processes and strengthen institutional capacities to protect intellectual property rights, as well as encouraging the dissemination of environmental and social standards.
Developing social welfare and services systems
In countries in which the social safety net is weak, critically impairing the life prospects of the poor, Germany promotes the development of social welfare and services systems. In the health sector, health care systems at national and regional level are improved and family planning measures are supported. In addition, Germany is engaged in the fight to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS. Other projects are concerned with improving health, retirement and accident insurance, yet others with health and safety at work. In the field of insurance, Germany also makes use of innovative instruments such as promoting microinsurance schemes in order to give poor people too access to insurance cover.
Integrating the informal sector
The economic and social systems of our partner countries do not always function as we would wish. Red tape and unclear ownership and responsibility are often an obstacle to business activities. For this reason, many activities take place in what is knows as the shadow economy. A large proportion of the poor in our Asian partner countries live and work in this 'informal' sector. One of the concerns of German development cooperation in Asia is to help these people to make the transition from the shadow economy to regular economic structures. In order to give disadvantaged sections of the population the chance of a better life, Germany is actively engaged in the field of vocational training. In this sector it aims to help people, especially young people, to establish a livelihood, as well as improving access to micro-finance services.
Information
Publications
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Development partnerships with the private sector
Annual report 2009
(PDF 417 KB, accessible) -
Strengthening Social Protection Systems in Developing Countries and Emerging Economies
(PDF 388 KB, accessible) -
Technical and Vocational Education and Training and the Labour Market in Development Cooperation
Strategies 140
(PDF 841 KB) -
Strategy for Development Cooperation with Global Development Partners
(PDF 543 KB, accessible)
