This series of country and regional reports is prepared by Mr. William Thomson, a former Senior Vice President of the Asian Development Bank. Mr. Thomson is an economist and investment banker specializing in Asia. He is Chairman and Managing Partner of PEDCA LLC, an affiliate firm of The Aries Group Ltd., specializing in providing consulting services in pension and insurance reform. The views expressed in these reports are those of Mr. Thomson and do not necessarily represent those of PEDCA, The Aries Group or their consultants.