A round-up of recent public finance articles from the Asia Pacific region you might have missed.

Spending package of $54bn approved by Japan government

Tokyo approved a spending package worth almost $54bn on Thursday in a bid to offset a tax hike that comes into effect next year and which critics fear will derail Japan's economic recovery. (The China Post)

Mongolia looks to stock trading as trade with China sinks                 

FEATURE: Mongolia’s government is looking to diversify away from China and commodities, and one area it's betting on is potentially lucrative, if far less finite: the growth of its stock exchange. Undercapitalized and illiquid, the Mongolian Stock Exchange is still a relative minor player, but the government has big plans. (International Business Times)

Pakistan wants to set up trade corridors with Japan

Federal minister for planning, development and reforms Ahsen Iqbal on Thursday said the Pakistan government wants to establish trade and economic corridors through rail and road connectivity with Japan to integrate the region of 3 billion people.  (International News Network)

Look to Singapore for efficient government spending

OPINION: How would you feel about donating to a charity that uses more than half of your money for overhead costs? If that puts you off, then you should feel the same way about paying your income taxes. When it comes to efficient government spending, Singapore offers a straight stick against which others can be measured. The Singapore system provides universal coverage through a combination of compulsory savings and government subsidies to ensure affordability for all. (The Globe and Mail)

The job cuts pantomime and ongoing idiocy over public service staff levels

OPINION: The Abbott government's plan to save billions of dollars by ‘freezing’ recruitment to the Australian Public Service has collapsed under the weight of the dim-witted way in which it appears it was formulated. (The Sydney Morning)