This paper analyzes how substantial fiscal policy stimulus in response to COVID-19, combined with the impact of the downturn on revenues, has severely weakened public finances in many developing Asian economies. Analysis drawing on newly compiled data shows that while tax revenues in developing Asia steadily rose in the 2 decades before the COVID–19 pandemic, they continued to lag well behind high-income economies and some developing peers. The region relies on indirect taxes, creating a relatively efficient but less progressive tax structure, while government expenditures on education and health were comparatively modest.

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The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has forced governments to provide stimulus packages amid falling tax revenues, prompting debate on “monetization” of government debt. Drawing on selected country experiences, this paper shows through actual central bank operations and accounting that “monetization,” commonly equated with “printing money,” is operationally impossible and that inflationary concerns are misplaced.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent.ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by ADB in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term "country" in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

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