Remittances support growth and are less volatile than other private capital flow to developing economies. 

This webinar discussed the critical role of remittances as a lifeline for people in the region. The speakers also raised the need for improved coordination between sending and receiving economies to: 1) improve migration and remittance policies; 2) enhance the efficiency and transparency of migration and remittance facilitation systems; and 3) train workers to adopt technology to cut remittance costs and enhance their job prospects abroad and in the domestic economy.           

The webinar was part of the Learnings for Economics and Policy Analysis (LEAP) Series organized by the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Southeast Asia Department. LEAP features online presentations to strengthen the economic and policy analysis skills of the department's staff in preparing research and project documents. LEAP aims to encourage participants to discuss the latest developments in the region and share country experiences and perspectives.

Speakers

• Guntur Sugiyarto, Principal Economist, Central and West Asia Department, ADB
• James P. Villafuerte. Senior Economist, ADB
• Aiko Kikkawa Takenaka, Economist, ADB
• Jonathan Capal, Director, Developing Markets Associates-Asia Pacific, AADB
• Moderator: Dulce Zara, Senior Regional Cooperation Officer, ADB