This handbook is a comprehensive and authoritative reference for both senior policymakers—those responsible for the development of government bond markets in their own countries—and all individuals responsible for guiding the market development process at the operational level—those who have a substantial need to understand the policy issues involved.

This guidance note was prepared by International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group staff under a project undertaken with the support of grants from the Financial Sector Reform and Strengthening Initiative, (FIRST).The aim of the project was to deliver a report that provides emerging market and developing economies with guidance and a roadmap in developing their local currency bond markets (LCBMs). This note will also inform technical assistance missions in advising authorities on the formulation of policies to deepen LCBMs.

In-depth studies were conducted in 10 developing countries (DMCs) to determine the feasibility of developing markets for government bonds and to identify impediments to their development. The country studies included a review and analysis of fiscal and monetary policy and management, the state of government bond markets, the feasibility and appropriateness of issuing government bonds at market rates, and the creation of benchmark yield curve. These studies also identified measures that will help develop secondary bond markets. The results of the study will help pinpoint specific problem areas in bond market development and identify appropriate policy measures in DMCs.

This publication explores how a local currency government bond market is vital to strengthen economic recovery from COVID-19. It focuses on the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, as its market is exposed to many challenges also faced by other developing countries. It examines how this nation can benefit from the experiences of its neighbors in the Asian Bond Markets Initiative: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, plus the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ASEAN+3). The publication highlights the essential building blocks for developing an efficient government bond market with sound cash and debt management.

Local currency bond markets in ASEAN+3 play an important role in diversifying financial intermediary channels and mitigating the impacts of financial crises. They also have the potential to help mobilize developing Asia's significant savings to meet the region's enormous infrastructure investment needs. Drawing extensively on knowledge generated by the ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum, the publication looks at the essential building blocks and the enabling environment for these markets, as well as the roles of government, relevant authorities, and market participants.

China’s bond market is destined to play an increasingly important role, both at home and abroad. And the inclusion of the country’s bonds in global indexes will be a milestone for its financial market integration, bringing big opportunities as well as challenges for policymakers and investors alike. This calls for a good understanding of China’s bond market structure, its unique characteristics, and areas where reforms are needed. This volume comprehensively analyzes the different segments of China’s bond market, from sovereign, policy bank, and credit bonds, to the rapidly growing local government bond market. It also covers bond futures, green bonds, and asset-backed securities, as well as China’s offshore market, which has played a major role in onshore market development.

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