This study presents a range of indicators to enable comparisons between the pension systems of economies in the Asia/Pacific region. It also includes data for the larger countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD). The report was drafted by Andrew Reilly of the Social Policy Division of the OECD Secretariat. Natalie Corry prepared the manuscript for publication. For this fifth report we are again indebted to the national experts who contributed to the updating of the models used, many of whom also assisted with previous publications. We are also indebted to the Korea Policy Centre staff for all their assistance in organising the annual meetings and for co8ordinating contacts with national experts.

The biggest challenges facing pension systems in non-OECD Asian economies are rapid population ageing and low coverage. Efforts to close the coverage gap by expanding eligibility to larger shares of the labour force or through non-contributory pensions are at the heart of most discussions. Increasing life expectancy may weaken financial sustainability as people live longer in retirement and the number of pensioners relative to contributors grows. Moreover, as in other regions, reforming pensions is politically challenging as it often entails unpopular measures, such as increasing the retirement age, lowering benefits or increasing contribution rates.