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1 | TITLE | DATE PUBLISHED | AUTHOR | URL | DESCRIPTION | SUBJECTS | COUNTRY/ REGION | ||||||||||||
2 | 2023 Annual Procurement Report | 16-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/annual-procurement-report-2023 | This report outlines the procurement activities financed by ADB as it works to strengthen transparency and governance across all aspects of operational procurement in line with the New Operating Model. The majority of the procurement function now rests with the Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department, which provides fiduciary oversight of procurement, support to ADB staff and borrowers on procurement planning and implementation, and capacity building for innovations. The report reflects on past accomplishments and looks at future priorities to ensure efficient and effective procurement for its members. | ADB administration and governance | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
3 | A Review of Digital Creative Industries in Asia: Opportunities and Policies to Foster Growth and Create High-Quality Jobs | 8-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/review-digital-creative-industries-asia | Asia’s creative industries are benefiting from rapid digitalization and need countries to plug skills gaps, boost access to financing, and step up data infrastructure to ensure they can create jobs and support socioeconomic growth, this report shows. A collaboration between ADB and Netflix, it focuses on movies, music, and gaming in India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Assessing the potential of artificial intelligence, the private sector, and investment challenges, the report looks at ways countries can use incentives, supportive regulation, and better funding options to foster their creative industries and become attractive offshoring destinations. | Information and Communications Technology; Social development and protection; Social protection - labor and employment | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
4 | Accelerating Green Bonds for Municipalities in Southeast Asia | 17-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/green-bonds-municipalities-southeast-asia | With cities on the frontline of climate change, this report analyzes how green, social, and sustainable bonds (GSS+) can help Southeast Asia’s municipalities raise capital to finance climate-resilient infrastructure and drive green, inclusive growth. A collaboration between ADB, the Climate Bonds Initiative, and the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility, the report shows GSS+ issuance in Southeast Asia reached $21.4 billion in 2023. Assessing future risks and opportunities, it recommends cities grow project pipelines, standardize blended finance solutions, and ramp up the development of local debt markets to raise the capital they need to transition to sustainable pathways. | Climate change; Climate finance; Promoting climate resilient development; Finance sector development | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
5 | ADB and Sri Lanka: Pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals | 28-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/adb-sri-lanka-sustainable-development-goals | This brochure explains how Sri Lanka has made steady progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and explains how these efforts are being bolstered through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 2024–2028 country partnership strategy for Sri Lanka. It also highlights ongoing ADB initiatives that are playing an important role in fostering sustainable development in the country. | Country operations; Sustainable Development Goals | Sri Lanka | ||||||||||||
6 | ADB Publications Catalog 2024/2025 | 7-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/catalog | A compilation of books and reports published by the Asian Development Bank from August 2023 to September 2024 that have been made available for purchase in print format. Topics include agriculture, education, energy, environment, gender, governance, health, transport, urban development, and water. Most of these publications can be downloaded for free from the ADB Publications pages. Hard copies of listed titles can be ordered from Amazon online; or via the "Order print publication" button on the relevant web pages. Orders can also be placed through our commercial distributors, booksellers, and copublishers when indicated in the publication's description. | ADB administration and governance; Knowledge Management | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
7 | ADB’s Operational Approach to Sexual and Gender Minorities’ Inclusion: A Road Map for 2025–2030 | 9-Jan-25 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/adb-sexual-gender-minorities-road-map-2025-2030 | This publication builds on the commitment of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to equity and resilience, charting a two-phased approach to integrating policies, programs, and projects that promote inclusivity regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). It identifies systemic barriers and proposes actionable solutions, while also emphasizing the importance of collaboration between governments, the public and private sectors, civil society, and LGBTQI+ communities in fostering inclusive growth. Grounded on the principles of flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and the “do no harm” approach, ADB’s Operational Approach to Sexual and Gender Minorities’ Inclusion for 2025–2030 is a call to action for providing equitable opportunities for all. | Gender Equality | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
8 | Adoption of Farm Mechanization for Clean Air: Evidence from Farm Trials in Pakistan | 9-Dec-24 | Ashok K. Mishra; Jaweriah Hazrana; Takashi Yamano; Noriko Sato; Babur Wasim Arif | https://www.adb.org/publications/farm-mechanization-clean-air-pakistan | Many rice farmers burn stubble and straw after harvest, which worsens air pollution. This study examines the impact of training on the adoption of advanced rice harvesting technologies that reduce the need for crop burning. The study uses data from a cluster randomized controlled trial in Pakistan. The results reveal that the training program improved the farm performance of rice growers. The cost–benefit analysis shows that farmers who received the training and used improved mechanical rice harvesting generated higher profits, an average gain of PRs19,784 per acre. The results highlight the potential of targeted extension strategies to accelerate the adoption of productivity-enhancing and sustainable technologies among smallholder farmers. | Agriculture and natural resources; Agricultural and food productivity; Economics | Pakistan | ||||||||||||
9 | Aiming for Sustainable Economic Development in the Pacific: The Asian Think Tank Forum 2023 Proceedings | 2-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/asian-think-tank-forum-2023-proceedings | This report summarizes presentations and discussions from the Asian Think Tank Forum 2023, which explored pathways for Pacific island economies to pursue sustainable economic development. The report highlights the challenges facing the region’s island economies including their small size, isolation from markets, high transport costs, and vulnerability to climate change and disasters. It shares the perspectives of policymakers and researchers on the need for more diversified economies, better infrastructure investment, and greater resilience to external shocks. The report also underscores the importance of stronger regional cooperation, increased digitalization, and better access to climate financing in creating sustainable solutions for the region. | Economics; Regional cooperation and integration | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
10 | Artificial Intelligence for Education in Bangladesh: Insights from the First Small-Scale Artificial Intelligence Needs Assessment and Training for Primary Education Teachers | 10-Dec-24 | ByeongJo Kong; Zhigang Li; Sara Ratner; Erik Hemberg; Shamsul Haque | https://www.adb.org/publications/artificial-intelligence-education-bangladesh | Bangladesh, with one of the largest education systems in the world, has started to lay the foundation for reskilling its youth in preparation for an automated world of work. The country has thus looked to using artificial intelligence (AI) in the education sector, recognizing its promise to transform the teaching–learning landscape while acknowledging the challenges inherent in its adoption. This paper presents results of an AI needs assessment survey and training workshop conducted among primary education teachers from 2023 to 2024, to gather opinions on pedagogies that could benefit from AI-enabled automation, as well as understand respondents’ perceptions of integrating AI and automation into their teaching tasks. | Education; Pre-primary and basic education; Education sector development; Information and Communications Technology | Bangladesh | ||||||||||||
11 | ASEAN–Republic of Korea Tourism Cooperation: Fostering People-to-People Connectivity | 20-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/asean-republic-korea-tourism-cooperation | This report looks at the resilience of tourism flows between the Republic of Korea and ASEAN member states, breakdown key drivers and challenges, and outlines ways to strengthen regional tourism cooperation. Celebrating 35 years of bilateral relations, the report analyzes how the pandemic reshaped ASEAN’s tourism sector, which created 40.2 million jobs and contributed to 8.3% of regional GDP in 2023. It highlights the need to tackle issues including visa policies and overtourism, and shows how working together to strengthen cooperation, incentivize new flights, and develop sectors such as medical tourism can drive sustainable industry growth. | Industry and trade; Regional cooperation and integration | Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; Indonesia; Korea, Republic of; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; Viet Nam | ||||||||||||
12 | Asia Bond Monitor – November 2024 | 27-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/asia-bond-monitor-november-2024 | This edition reviews recent financial conditions and bond market developments in emerging East Asia, provides updates on policies and regulations, and discusses digital green bonds. Financial conditions in emerging East Asia weakened slightly from 2 September to 31 October 2024 amid heightened uncertainties around the Federal Reserve’s future monetary policy path and elections in the United States. In most regional markets, short-term sovereign bond yields declined following domestic policy rate cuts, while 10-year sovereign bond yields rose, tracking 10-year yield movements in the United States. Local currency bonds outstanding in emerging East Asian markets totaled USD26.8 trillion at the end of September, while sustainable bonds outstanding in ASEAN+3 markets posted strong growth of 4.1% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter to reach USD893.1 billion. This edition of the Asia Bond Monitor includes a discussion of how digital green bonds, which feature efficient monitoring and enhanced transparency, can help scale up sustainable finance and mitigate greenwashing risk. | Economics; Finance sector development; Industry and trade | China, People's Republic of; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Korea, Republic of; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Philippines; Singapore; Thailand; Viet Nam | ||||||||||||
13 | Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor 2024: Designing an MSME Ecosystem for Resilient Growth in Asia and the Pacific | 20-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/asia-sme-monitor-2024 | This 2024 edition of the Monitor reviews micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in 24 economies across Asia and the Pacific. It takes stock of recent progress and highlights policy implications. MSMEs are a key driver of inclusive economic growth in Asia and the Pacific. The Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor provides data and analysis as a resource for evidence-based policy design on MSME development. This year’s edition highlights seven policy considerations in designing an MSME ecosystem that promotes resilient growth. These include focusing on the sound development of services-oriented MSMEs, promoting business clustering, building a gender-responsive growth model, and creating a base of green MSMEs. | Economics; Finance sector development; Industry and trade | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
14 | Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024: Catalyzing Finance and Policy Solutions | 31-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/asia-pacific-climate-report-2024 | The inaugural Asia-Pacific Climate Report offers an overview of the region’s evolving climate landscape, up-to-date public perceptions, and key areas for policy responses. The report highlights the region’s climate vulnerability, provides updated estimates of the potential impacts and costs of climate change, and proposes priority actions to accelerate adaptation progress. Policy options for governments to mobilize more private climate capital for both adaptation and mitigation are distilled. Finally, the report identifies how governments in the region can move toward more effective carbon pricing mechanisms to efficiently reduce emissions. | Climate change; Climate finance; Promoting climate resilient development | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
15 | Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program Annual Report 2023 | 15-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/adb-japan-scholarship-program-annual-report-2023 | This report highlights the achievements of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)–Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) in 2023 and shows how its alumni help developing member countries (DMCs) build capacity and tackle development challenges. The report marks the 35-year anniversary of the program, which has given scholarships to over 4,300 students from DMCs to pursue development-related studies, with the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Nepal ranking as the top participant countries. It shows how 64% of the 108 scholarships awarded in 2023 went to female students, highlights personal student stories, and sets out plans to increase in the program’s impact going forward. | Cofinancing; Education; Tertiary and higher education | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
16 | Asian Development Outlook (ADO) December 2024: Steady Growth Amid a Shifting Global Policy Landscape | 11-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/asian-development-outlook-december-2024 | Economic growth in developing Asia and the Pacific remains steady, but US policy changes under the incoming Trump administration may impact the region. Changes to US trade, fiscal, and immigration policies could dent growth and boost inflation in developing Asia. Because these significant policy changes are expected to take time and be rolled out gradually, the effects on the region would mostly materialize beyond this Asian Development Outlook's 2024-2025 forecast horizon. | Economics; Industry and trade | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
17 | Assessing and Addressing Risks in Pacific Construction Supply Chains | 23-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/risks-pacific-construction-supply-chains | This report examines how the Pacific region’s complex operating landscape affects supply chain risks for the construction sector and analyzes ways to overcome logistical hurdles and open the door to new entrants to help drive growth. Noting the region’s remoteness, small markets, and high disaster exposure, it assesses 14 Pacific economies and considers factors including inadequate port infrastructure, labor shortages, and foreign exchange volatility. Drawing on the results of stakeholder interviews, it shows how jointly promoting project pipelines, fast-tracking visas, and encouraging governments and development partners to coordinate projects could help mitigate industry risk and build resilience in the region. | ADB and Infrastructure | Cook Islands; Fiji; Kiribati; Marshall Islands; Micronesia, Federated States of; Nauru; Niue; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Samoa; Solomon Islands; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu | ||||||||||||
18 | Auditing ADB’s Knowledge Management Program Against the ISO 30401:2018 for Knowledge Management Systems | 21-Nov-24 | Mary Jane F. Carangal-San Jose; Josephine J. Aquino; Narine Avetisyan; Lan Thi Hoang Nguyen; Jane Parry; Susann Roth | https://www.adb.org/publications/auditing-adb-knowledge-management-program | This brief explains how ADB audited its knowledge management program using the ISO 30401:2018 standard to help promote a continuous improvement culture, gain international recognition, and respond more effectively to its developing member countries. The brief shows how ADB’s Strategy 2030 recognizes the importance of its knowledge solutions, which depend on strong local and technical expertise, alongside the ability to employ appropriate financing mechanisms. It outlines why ADB chose to undertake an audit, its reasons for picking the ISO standard, and how the process can help its knowledge management continuously evolve and inspire other organizations. | ADB administration and governance; Knowledge Management | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
19 | Behavioral Adaptation to Improved Environmental Quality: Evidence from a Sanitation Intervention | 11-Nov-24 | Lisa Cameron; An Huang; Paulo Santos; Milan Thomas | https://www.adb.org/publications/behavioral-adaptation-improved-environmental-quality | This study finds that investing in sanitation not only improved children’s health, but also created valuable time-savings for all household members. In 160 villages in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, cash rewards incentivized households to build toilets. Households in areas where sanitation improved, enjoyed a cleaner local environment, and the need to boil water for consumption was lowered. This change saved time, especially for women and girls, who traditionally spend hours collecting firewood and boiling water. | Economics; Health; Water; Sanitation | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
20 | Beyond Boundaries: Navigating the Digital Landscape for a Green and Inclusive Future | 6-Dec-24 | Dina Azhgaliyeva; Jungwook Kim; Shu Tian | https://www.adb.org/publications/navigating-digital-landscape-green-inclusive-future | This book explores how digital technologies can boost climate risk monitoring and communication, enhance resource management and efficiency, and increase communities’ access to essential services, information, and opportunities. The edited volume examines key sectors such as energy, agriculture, transport, and finance to demonstrate the transformative impact of digital tools for sustainable development. It looks at technologies such as smart grids, smart ports, agri-food technology, digital financial services, and online educational platforms. It provides insights for policymakers in Asia and the Pacific on harnessing digitalization for sustainable development, and explores how to ensure inclusive digital access and build digital capacity among marginalized people. The book is jointly published by the Asian Development Bank Institute and the Asian Development Bank in collaboration with the Korea Development Institute. | Agriculture and natural resources; Energy; Finance sector development; Information and Communications Technology | Bangladesh; Indonesia; Korea, Republic of; Sri Lanka | ||||||||||||
21 | Bridging the Divide: Exploring Gender Bonds for Equality in Asia and the Pacific | 11-Nov-24 | Muskaan Kepla | https://www.adb.org/publications/bridging-divide-gender-bonds-equality | Gender-lens investing (GLI) represents an opportunity to channel targeted funds to women’s businesses and other gender equality areas. The development of gender-focused investment products, such as gender bonds, can serve as an effective tool to engage both public and private capital markets in supporting gender equality efforts and helping countries in Asia and the Pacific region achieve their sustainability objectives. This paper provides a review of the current GLI environment in Asia and the Pacific, highlights innovations, and provides recommendations for both public and private sector stakeholders to strengthen GLI as a means of increasing resources for gender equality goals. | Finance sector development; Gender Equality | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
22 | Build Back Better Sector Guides—Volume 1: Overview | 14-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/build-back-better-overview | This introductory volume comprises the principles and crosscutting measures that are likely relevant to any post-disaster recovery and reconstruction project, regardless of sector. The Build Back Better Sector Guides provide practical resources to support clients, partners, and staff of the Asian Development Bank to enhance the climate and disaster resilience of communities, infrastructure, and systems through effective post-disaster assistance. | Climate change; Disasters | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
23 | Build Back Better Sector Guides—Volume 2: Transport | 14-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/build-back-better-transport | Volume 2 provides an overview of good practice solutions, considerations, and lessons learned for building back better in the transport sector, focusing on considerations for surface transport (roads, railways, and bridges). It is intended to be read together with Volume 1: Overview. The Build Back Better Sector Guides provide practical resources to support clients, partners, and staff of the Asian Development Bank to enhance the climate and disaster resilience of communities, infrastructure, and systems through effective post-disaster assistance. | Climate change; Disasters; Transport | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
24 | Build Back Better Sector Guides—Volume 3: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) | 14-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/build-back-better-water-sanitation-hygiene | Volume 3 provides an overview of good practice solutions, considerations, and lessons learned for building back better in the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector. It is intended to be read together with Volume 1: Overview. The Build Back Better Sector Guides provide practical resources to support clients, partners, and staff of the Asian Development Bank to enhance the climate and disaster resilience of communities, infrastructure, and systems through effective post-disaster assistance. | Climate change; Disasters; Water | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
25 | Build Back Better Sector Guides—Volume 4: Irrigated Agriculture | 14-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/build-back-better-irrigated-agriculture | Volume 4 provides an overview of good practice solutions, considerations, and lessons learned for building back better in irrigated agriculture systems. It is intended to be read together with Volume 1: Overview. The Build Back Better Sector Guides provide practical resources to support clients, partners, and staff of the Asian Development Bank to enhance the climate and disaster resilience of communities, infrastructure, and systems through effective post-disaster assistance. | Agriculture and natural resources; Climate change; Disasters | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
26 | Build Back Better Sector Guides—Volume 5: Social Infrastructure | 14-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/build-back-better-social-infrastructure | Volume 5 provides an overview of good practice solutions, considerations, and lessons learned for building back better in social infrastructure. It is intended to be read together with Volume 1: Overview. The Build Back Better Sector Guides provide practical resources to support clients, partners, and staff of the Asian Development Bank to enhance the climate and disaster resilience of communities, infrastructure, and systems through effective post-disaster assistance. | Climate change; Disasters; Social development and protection | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
27 | Build Back Better Sector Guides—Volume 6: Power | 14-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/build-back-better-power | Volume 6 provides an overview of good practice solutions, considerations, and lessons learned for building back better for power systems. It is intended to be read together with Volume 1: Overview. The Build Back Better Sector Guides provide practical resources to support clients, partners, and staff of the Asian Development Bank to enhance the climate and disaster resilience of communities, infrastructure, and systems through effective post-disaster assistance. | Climate change; Disasters; Energy | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
28 | Cambodia’s Economic Diversification: A Country Diagnostic Study | 11-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank; Gojek | https://www.adb.org/publications/cambodia-economic-diversification | This study outlines actions Cambodia can take to diversify its economy and shows how cutting business costs, tackling human capital deficits, and reducing vulnerability to external shocks can help drive sustainable, inclusive growth. Exploring how Cambodia became one of Asia’s fastest growing economies, the study aims to show how the country can overcome existing constraints and address emerging challenges to reach upper-middle income status by 2030. It identifies opportunities to diversify Cambodia’s textile, food processing, and manufacturing industries, underlines the need to overhaul education, and drive the investment and infrastructure improvements needed to reach its long-term goals. | Economics; Industry and trade | Cambodia | ||||||||||||
29 | Carbon Taxes and Fossil Fuel Subsidies | 24-Dec-24 | Brent Edelman; Sandeep Bhattacharya | https://www.adb.org/publications/carbon-taxes-fossil-fuel-subsidies | This brief provides an overview of key policies, including carbon pricing instruments and fossil fuel subsidies, which have important implications for a country’s climate goals. The brief presents up-to-date estimates of environmental tax revenues and fossil fuel subsidy estimates for countries in Asia and the Pacific. It also explores various channels through which the interplay of carbon-related taxes and subsidies can help or hinder a country’s climate goals and provides estimates for potential revenue gains from fossil fuel subsidy reform in developing Asia. | Climate change; Climate finance; Energy; Governance and public sector management; Public financial management | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
30 | Civil Society Brief: Lao People’s Democratic Republic | 13-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/civil-society-brief-lao-peoples-democratic-republic | This brief shows how civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) are rooted in strong village traditions of community support, maps their growth, and explains how they help drive resilient development. The brief sets out why local CSOs are relatively new, details legal and regulatory frameworks for international nongovernment organizations (INGOs), and shows how they work alongside government in areas such as education and health. Outlining how INGOs help build local CSO capacity, it explains how ADB has engaged CSOs in the hydropower and urban development projects that are helping support the Lao PDR’s sustainable growth. | ADB administration and governance; ADB and civil society | Lao PDR | ||||||||||||
31 | Climate Action Road Map for Central and West Asia, 2025–2030 | 18-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/climate-action-road-map-cwa-2025-2030 | The Climate Action Road Map for Central and West Asia, 2025–2030 aims to operationalize ADB’s Climate Change Action Plan at the regional level, setting out areas of focus for ADB operations across key themes and sectors. The road map promotes ADB’s shift to provide more client-centered, cross-sector, and integrated solutions to climate and development challenges in Central and West Asia through strategic interventions clustered into thematic areas. The road map will be complemented by climate action plans to provide country-specific interventions that ensure a targeted and tailored approach to addressing climate change across the Central and West Asia region. | Climate change; Climate financel Promoting climate resilient development | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
32 | Climate Change and Education Playbook: Investing in Education and Skills for Climate Resilience in Asia and the Pacific | 18-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/climate-change-education-playbook | This publication explores how climate change impacts education systems in Asia and the Pacific. It underscores the need for investing in climate-resilient school facilities and integrating climate action in basic, secondary, vocational, and higher education. Outlining eight calls to action, the publication provides policymakers with strategies to make education systems climate-ready to enable the transition to a low-carbon economy. Case studies showcase how climate-oriented education fosters a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for Asia and the Pacific. The Climate Change and Education Playbook was launched at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. | Climate change; Promoting climate resilient development; Education | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
33 | Climate-Resilient Fiscal Management: Experience from Southeast Asia | 11-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/climate-resilient-fiscal-management-southeast-asia | This report considers how finance and planning ministries can respond strategically to climate risk, highlighting best practices from Southeast Asia and identifying crosscutting priorities. The report presents a framework of action across three areas: assessing and embedding climate risk implications in fiscal planning frameworks, strategically managing climate-related fiscal risks, and mobilizing public and private capital for climate investment. Finance and planning ministries can use the framework to set priorities, design reform programs, and identify the resources needed for implementation. | Climate change; Strengthening policies, governance, and capacities; Governance and public sector management; Public financial management; Public administration, economic affairs, and policy | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
34 | Decarbonizing Value Chains in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Economies | 29-Oct-24 | Altynay Arapova; Lyaziza Sabyrova; Neil Foster-Mcgregor | https://www.adb.org/publications/decarbonizing-value-chains-carec-economies | Many countries in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) area specialize in emissions-intensive industries. This brief outlines how regional cooperation could help promote greener value chains. The brief explores how CAREC members could collaborate to support the movement of goods and people in the region in ways that contribute toward climate objectives. Actions could include digitalizing trade processes, promoting climate-smart transportation, improving governance and decarbonization in the mining sector, harmonizing policies and green standards, and developing a regional approach to climate financing. | Climate change; Industry and trade; Regional cooperation and integration | Afghanistan; Azerbaijan; China, People's Republic of; Georgia; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Republic; Mongolia; Pakistan; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Uzbekistan | ||||||||||||
35 | Designing Competition Policy for Economic Development in Asia and the Pacific | 17-Oct-24 | Arsenio Balisacan; Yesim Elhan-Kayalar; Majah-Leah Ravago; James Roumasset; Yasuyuki Sawada; Tetsushi Sonobe | https://www.adb.org/publications/competition-policy-economic-development-asia-pacific | This book analyzes competition policy in Asia and the Pacific through the lens of how it can support and promote economic development in the region. It documents the structure, conduct, and performance of competition across economies to obtain insights that can improve competition policy and administration. It aims to harmonize laws and practices with industrial strategies to foster a holistic approach to economic development. Each chapter offers practical proposals in different sectors, with topics including new developments in areas such as e-commerce, global value chains, and platform-based industries. | Economics; Industry and trade | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
36 | Determinants of Student Performance During the COVID-19 Pandemic School Closure in Bhutan | 22-Nov-24 | Ryotaro Hayashi; Xylee Javier; David Raitzer; Milan Thomas | https://www.adb.org/publications/student-performance-covid19-school-closure-bhutan | This paper explores Bhutanese high schoolers’ performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Surprisingly, gender, urban–rural, and socioeconomic gaps remained stable. Key predictors of performance among school and household characteristics are identified. While computer ownership boosted English scores, its impact on Dzongkha was limited due to limited online learning resources for the national language. Quantile regression analysis suggests that boarding facilities were vital for preventing disadvantaged students from falling farther behind during school closures. | Economics; Education; Health; COVID-19 | Bhutan | ||||||||||||
37 | Digital Transformation for the Sustainable Development Goals: Framework and Road Maps to Drive Prosperity, Inclusion, Resilience, and Sustainability | 18-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/digital-transformation-sustainable-development-goals | This publication outlines how digital solutions can fast-track progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and shows how the Asian Development Bank can assist in inclusive and resilient digital transformations. Noting the need for substantial investment in digital infrastructure, it looks at investments and public–private partnerships and outlines road maps for digital transformation in six areas, including food security, decarbonization, and human capital enhancement. The publication also proposes a set of enabling conditions, core digital components, and levels of digital maturity, which are key ingredients to SDG attainment. | Information and Communications Technology; Sustainable Development Goals | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
38 | Digital Transformation of Multilevel Tax Policies and Administration for Resilience and Sustainable Growth | 15-Oct-24 | Ehtisham Ahmad; Aekapol Chongvilaivan | https://www.adb.org/publications/digital-transformation-multilevel-tax-policies | Domestic resource mobilization is critical for enhanced resilience and financing sustainable growth. Increasing numbers of developing and emerging-market countries face fiscal or debt sustainability pressures following successive shocks affecting public finances. Resilient responses typically involve local action and information generation with national and cross-border coordination and cofinancing. This report shows how digital transformation involving tax and fiscal policy rationalization, as well as new institutional arrangements, can help achieve sustainable outcomes. Case studies are based on federal and unitary countries, along with special issues related to small island states. These include South Asia, as well as the People’s Republic of China, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste—and Mexico—to highlight digital transformation possibilities across countries and political systems. Despite differences in the political economy and institutional structures, there are common themes in relation to managing shocks and digital transformation. Policy cross-fertilization, especially between Asia and Latin America, demonstrates the importance of shared experiences across developing countries. | Governance and public sector management; Taxation and domestic resource mobilization; Information and Communications Technology | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
39 | Disaster Risk, Inequality, and Fiscal Sustainability | 7-Nov-24 | Anh H. Le; Donghyun Park; John Beirne; Gazi Salah Uddin | https://www.adb.org/publications/disaster-risk-inequality-fiscal-sustainability | This paper analyzes the effects of climate change on budgetary sustainability and inequality. Using panel data, the findings suggest that rising climate-related disaster risks raise government debt and undermine fiscal sustainability, with low-income households bearing the brunt of the impact. According to a New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium model, disaster risk generates recessions and increases inequality, particularly among “hand-to-mouth” agents. The paper also shows a considerable increase in sovereign debt due to disaster risk, and it recommends targeted transfers while cautioning against the fiscal cost of progressive taxes. | Climate change; Economics; Disaster Risk Management; Governance and public sector management | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
40 | Diversifying Trade Flows and Transport Routes in the CAREC Region amid External Shocks | 17-Dec-24 | Lyaziza Sabyrova; Roman Mogilevskii | https://www.adb.org/publications/diversifying-trade-flows-transport-routes-carec | This paper seeks to uncover patterns and potential avenues of diversification and reorientation in the trade of the members of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program revealed by the recent series of external shocks. The paper examines the CAREC-wise trends in merchandise and service trade volumes, partners, and routes during 2022–2023. It then focuses on the trade potential of the Middle Corridor, which is increasingly discussed as a key transport and transit option for CAREC. | Industry and trade; Regional cooperation and integration; Transport | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
41 | Do Environmental Provisions in Preferential Trade Agreements Reduce Emissions Traded in Global Value Chains? | 2-Dec-24 | Maisha Fairuz; Neil Foster-McGregor | https://www.adb.org/publications/environmental-provisions-ptas-reduce-emissions | This paper examines whether preferential trade agreements (PTAs) increase emissions embodied in trade and considers whether environmental provisions in PTAs affect this relationship. The results suggest PTAs are associated with increased emissions embodied in trade, mainly because of increased trade between PTA partners. The presence of an environmental provision in PTAs mitigates this effect, however, with environmental provisions reducing both the scale of trade and the emissions intensity of that trade. | Economics; Environment; Global and regional transboundary environmental concerns; Industry and trade | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
42 | Do Local Producers Contribute to Mongolia’s Mining Supply Chain? | 18-Dec-24 | Bold Sandagdorj; Enerelt Enkhbold | https://www.adb.org/publications/local-producers-mongolia-mining-supply-chain | Analyzing mining’s impact in resource-rich Mongolia, this brief outlines ways to step up the contribution of local producers to the mining supply chain to extend the sector’s benefits and better support sustainable growth. Drawing on data from 82 mining companies, the brief assesses the impact of extractive industries on different sectors. It examines why local producers make an insignificant contribution to supply chains in Mongolia where mining makes up over 90% of merchandise exports. It explains how strengthening the private sector, bolstering human capital, and increasing innovation investment could create opportunities for local producers and build a more diverse and resilient economy. | Industry and trade | Mongolia | ||||||||||||
43 | Empirically Estimated Impacts of Climate Change on Global Crop Production via Increasing Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Extremes | 11-Dec-24 | David A. Raitzer; Joeffrey Drouard | https://www.adb.org/publications/impacts-climate-change-global-crop-production | To assess climate change effects on crop yields, remote sensing-derived yield and agrometeorological reanalysis data are used to construct a panel at 0.1-degree resolution for 2003–2015. Regressions controlling for grid cell-specific intercepts and time trends, temperature, rainfall, and cloudiness estimate the subregional relationships between yields and precipitation-evapotranspiration extremes for rice, wheat, and maize. Results imply that climate change will cause global yield reductions for all crops, with losses highest for wheat and maize, especially in South Asia and Southern Africa. | Agriculture and natural resources; Climate resilience and environmental sustainability; Agricultural and food productivity; Economics | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
44 | Energizing Gender Equality: A Roadmap to Inclusive Energy in Vanuatu | 8-Nov-24 | Aleta Moriarty; Ingrid Fitzgerald | https://www.adb.org/publications/gender-equality-roadmap-inclusive-energy-vanuatu | Outlining the energy access disparity women face in Vanuatu, this brief shows how it impacts their health and economic opportunities and explains why mainstreaming gender can increase financial inclusion and drive an equitable green transition. Detailing Vanuatu’s uneven electricity distribution, the brief shows why rural women without safe and reliable energy spend a disproportionate amount of time on household tasks, and how burning wood can affect their health. It recommends stepping up efforts to bridge the rural–urban energy gap, increasing women’s roles within the energy sector, and opening access to financial services and affordable payments to make clean energy options accessible. | Energy; Access to energy; Gender Equality | Vanuatu | ||||||||||||
45 | Engaging Men and Transforming Masculinities to Achieve Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: A Stocktaking of Initiatives in South Asia | 13-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/engaging-men-gender-equality-south-asia | The study conducted a gender equality and social inclusion analysis to provide a reference in expanding the array of strategies for the Asian Development Bank on how to confront pervasive and persistent gender inequality in different sectors. It examines the ways in which opportunities and mechanisms have been created and sustained to engage different groups of boys and men, along with gender-diverse people, to transform masculinities as a strategy to promote gender equality. The study identifies strategies on how to engage men and boys to achieve gender equality and build knowledge around program approaches grounded in a long-term theory of change. | Gender Equality | Bangladesh; Bhutan; India; Maldives; Nepal; Sri Lanka | ||||||||||||
46 | Environment Action Plan 2024–2030: Toward a Nature-Positive Asia and the Pacific | 20-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/environment-action-plan-2024-2030 | This publication explains how ADB’s Environment Action Plan 2024–2030 (EAP) guides its strategic approach to tackling the triple planetary threats of biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change to better support sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. With over 50% of the region’s economy directly dependent on nature, the publication shows how EAP’s approach revolves around biodiversity and ecosystem management, pollution control and circular economy, and nature-based climate solutions. Outlining the need for a holistic approach, it details how ADB can step up nature-positive investments, harness digital technologies, and mainstream environmental considerations to improve livelihoods and help drive growth. | Environment; Global and regional transboundary environmental concerns; Environmental policy and legislation | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
47 | Environmental, Social, and Governance Materiality in XBRL Disclosures and Its Performance Predictability: Evidence from Japan | 9-Oct-24 | Jiaqi Yang; Kotaro Takahashi; Satoru Yamadera; Shu Tian | https://www.adb.org/publications/esg-materiality-xbrl-disclosures-japan | To determine environmental, social, and governance (ESG) materiality trends in Japan, this paper analyzes textual data—in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) format—from the annual securities reports of over 3,800 listed companies. The paper identifies both an increasing trend of environmental materiality disclosure and correlations among ESG materiality. The potential of XBRL data as an alternative source for predicting the sustainability and financial performance of companies is also evident in the relationship between materiality disclosure and the financial and climate performance of companies. | Economics; Environment; Finance sector development | Japan | ||||||||||||
48 | Evolving Arena of Adopting Innovative Digital Technologies to Enhance Health Financing Systems | 12-Dec-24 | Parul Goela; Kanishak Gautam; Santosh Moses; Saro Tsaturyan; Jae Kyoun Kim; Akihito Watabe; Eduardo P. Banzon | https://www.adb.org/publications/digital-technologies-health-financing-systems | Effective health financing is integral to universal health coverage, involving key functions such as revenue generation, resource pooling, and the purchasing of health services. This paper delves into the critical role of digital technologies in advancing health financing systems in the health insurance landscape and identifies key challenges countries face in this endeavor. A detailed evaluation matrix is introduced to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the digital health financing ecosystem that enables countries to assess their current capabilities, identify gaps, and strategize for improvements. By leveraging best practices and lessons learned from countries with more mature digital health systems, nations can better position themselves to achieve their short- to long-term health financing goals. | Health; Health system development; Information and Communications Technology | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
49 | External Shocks and Labor Market Reforms in Autocracies and Democracies: Evidence from Oil Price Windfalls | 13-Nov-24 | Markus Brueckner; Gabriele Ciminelli; Norman Loayza | https://www.adb.org/publications/external-shocks-labor-market-reforms | This paper explores how oil price windfalls impact labor market regulation across 83 countries from 1970 to 2014. Findings reveal that windfall gains lead to deregulation in autocracies but not democracies, while windfall losses trigger deregulation in democracies. The paper examines how democracies use windfall gains to boost spending, whereas autocracies may focus on rent extraction and increasing economic efficiency. Deregulation in democracies during losses aligns with the crisis-induced reform hypothesis, linked to twin deficits and heightened banking crisis risks. | Economics; Industry and trade; Social protection - labor and employment | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
50 | Financial Sector Development Partnership Special Fund and Financial Sector Development Partnership Fund 2023 Annual Report | 16-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/fsdpsf-fsdpf-annual-report-2023 | A stable and diversified finance sector helps promote private sector development, create jobs, and spur economic growth. To promote finance sector development, the Financial Sector Development Partnership Fund was established in July 2006 through contributions from the Government of Luxembourg. Given growing demand from the Asian Development Bank’s developing member countries for financing support, the Financial Sector Development Partnership Special Fund (FSDPSF) was created in January 2013. The FSDPSF focuses on the key operational areas of finance sector development, inclusive finance, and infrastructure finance. Since the fund was established, the FSDPSF has allocated a total of $30.2 million for 90 projects. | ADB administration and governance; ADB funds and products | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
51 | Financing Plastic Circularity in Asia and the Pacific: How to Overcome Market and Policy Challenges and Create Impact | 6-Nov-24 | Piya Kerdlap; James Baker; Vincent Aloysius; Erin Jan Sinogba | https://www.adb.org/publications/financing-plastic-circularity-asia-pacific | This brief sheds light on the $50 billion–$120 billion global plastic pollution financing gap and explores how Asia and the Pacific can boost plastic circularity by incentivizing recycling, de-risking projects, and generating investment to tackle mounting waste. With Asia home to eight out of the 10 rivers that take 95% of plastic waste to the oceans, the brief shows governments can use policies and economic tools to attract capital and change consumer behavior. As the region is only responsible for 8% of plastic circularity investment, it outlines financing options, highlights small business funding challenges, and explains why gender should be woven into future circularity programs. | Environment; Eco-efficiency | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
52 | Foreign Direct Investment Location and Trade Dynamics in Viet Nam After the US-PRC Trade Dispute | 17-Dec-24 | Yesim Elhan-Kayalar; Konstantin Kucheryavyy; Manabu Nose; Yasuyuki Sawada; Ruo Shangguan; Nguyen Thanh Tung | https://www.adb.org/publications/fdi-location-trade-dynamics-viet-nam | This paper aims to quantify the distributional effects of the United States–People’s Republic of China trade dispute across different regions in Viet Nam. By utilizing detailed firm-level and customs data, the results show that foreign direct investment (FDI) in Viet Nam is geographically concentrated in the northern, central, and southern regions with well-developed road infrastructure. The findings also highlight the important role played by multinational firms from East Asia and the United States in reshaping Viet Nam’s trade flows in the aftermath of the trade dispute. The paper sheds light on the interplay between transport infrastructure, FDI, and international trade. | Economics; Industry and trade | China, People's Republic of; Viet Nam | ||||||||||||
53 | Fostering Inclusive Trade: Leveraging Free Trade Agreements to Protect Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in Asia and the Pacific | 10-Oct-24 | Maria Lorena Cleto; Dorothea M. Ramizo | https://www.adb.org/publications/free-trade-agreements-indigenous-peoples-rights | This brief shows how free trade agreements (FTAs) can help safeguard traditional knowledge and genetic resources in Asia and the Pacific and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The brief highlights the substantial presence of Indigenous Peoples in Asia and the Pacific and the importance of traditional knowledge and genetic resources for climate action, food security, and medicine, as well as language diversity and cultural heritage. It explains the shortfalls of existing FTAs and why they should be based on informed consent, equitable benefit sharing, and full source disclosure in patents. It details how some FTAs have included traditional knowledge and genetic resources and shows how trade deals can help Indigenous Peoples benefit from greater regional cooperation. | Industry and trade; Social development and protection | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
54 | Gender Equality and Climate Change Sectors Guide | 8-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/gender-equality-climate-change-sectors-guide | This guide explains why integrating gender equality in the key sectors of agriculture, energy, and transport is critical to achieve a low-carbon and climate-resilient transition. Designed for use by ADB staff, the guide gives a breakdown of gender issues in each sector, details employment opportunities for women, and assesses their decision-making power. Highlighting potential entry points for ADB to tackle the challenges women face, it provides gender performance indicators and questions to help design measures that improve gender outcomes and advance work to tackle climate change. | Agriculture and natural resources; Climate change; Promoting climate resilient development; Energy; Transport | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
55 | Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Public Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Facilities in Developing Asia and the Pacific | 10-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/gender-social-inclusion-water-sanitation-hygiene | This report highlights how many women and girls still lack adequate access to public water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Asia and the Pacific and explains why focusing on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) can level the playing field. Despite improvements, inadequate access to WASH facilities for groups including women and girls, older people, and people with disabilities means they may miss school and loose opportunities for jobs and healthcare. Recommending countries incorporate GESI into national WASH guidelines, the report shows how providing safe, gender-segregated and gender-neutral public facilities with adequate water and disability-friendly designs contributes toward long-term sustainable development. | Gender Equality; Water; Sanitation; Water sector development | Fiji; Nepal | ||||||||||||
56 | Gender Equality and Water Security: A Conceptual Framework and Practical Strategies to Accelerate Progress | 14-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/gender-equality-water-security-conceptual-framework | This report explains why women in Asia and the Pacific are more likely to suffer water insecurity, shows how it impacts their lives, and sets out ways to infuse gender into water management, policies, and governance to ensure water security for all. Highlighting how women are underrepresented in the management and delivery of water, the report recommends setting targets, monitoring progress toward gender equality, and promoting gender-inclusive practices in water security initiatives. It shows how water-related organizations alongside governance and management institutions can take measures to boost women’s water access, reduce vulnerability, and increase employment to drive transformational change. | Gender Equality; Water; Water sector development | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
57 | Georgia Exports and Value Chain Study | 10-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/georgia-exports-value-chain-study | Analyzing how Georgia can diversify its exports, this report shows how it could potentially ramp up its pharmaceutical, apparel, jewelry, and almond exports, and assesses how an effective export strategy would drive more resilient economic growth. Based on stakeholder interviews, it considers the trends, value chains, and opportunities for each of the high potential sectors and explores how Georgia can leverage its location, favorable business environment, and free-trade agreements. Emphasizing the need for greater innovation and strong government support, it recommends taking a “Team Georgia” approach that centers on building an ecosystem to improve export promotion, increase target market access, and support exporters. | Industry and trade | Georgia | ||||||||||||
58 | Getting Money to the Local Level: Building Community Resilience Through National Climate Funds | 11-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/community-resilience-national-climate-funds | This note outlines ways to funnel climate finance to communities in Asia and the Pacific and shows why including “community windows” can help direct funds toward grassroots adaptation projects designed to build resilience. The note explains why poor and vulnerable communities are more exposed to the impacts of extreme weather and why increasing national climate financing for locally-owned and run initiatives can better tackle the issues they face. Analyzing 16 national climate funds, it shows how governments can work with stakeholders to build “community windows”, channel resources, and strengthen local accountability mechanisms to ensure support reaches those most at risk. | Climate change; Climate finance; Promoting climate resilient development; Social development and protection | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
59 | Greater Mekong Subregion Health Cooperation Strategy 2024–2030 | 8-Jan-25 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/gms-health-cooperation-strategy-2024-2030 | Detailing the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Health Cooperation Strategy 2024–2030, this publication aims to help strengthen health systems toward universal coverage and to promote greater regional health security. Noting significant health improvements in the past two decades, the publication explains how the strategy is designed to guide programming, foster innovation, and strengthen financing for the next seven years. It underscores how gender, climate change, and digital health cut across all core themes, and shows how the strategy can help countries tackle regional issues and reduce health inequalities to make the GMS healthier and more sustainable. | Health; Health system development; Health sector development and reform; Regional cooperation and integration | Cambodia; China, People's Republic of; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Myanmar; Thailand; Viet Nam | ||||||||||||
60 | Green Finance and Information Disclosure in the People’s Republic of China | 6-Nov-24 | Anqian Huang; Fang Zhang | https://www.adb.org/publications/green-finance-information-disclosure-prc | This brief shows how the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is scaling up its green finance ecosystem and explains why its banks should improve environmental information disclosure to boost transparency and help it reach its climate goals. Highlighting the role of the PRC’s smaller regional banks, the brief spotlights the Bank of Huzhou’s approach to green financing and outlines its push for stronger social and governance measures. It recommends the PRC looks to expand local-level green financing and better implement global green finance standards to strengthen investor confidence and mobilize the capital it needs to drive sustainable development. | Environment; Finance sector development | China, People's Republic of | ||||||||||||
61 | Greening Thy Neighbor: How the United States Inflation Reduction Act Drives Climate Finance Globally | 25-Nov-24 | Daniel Marcel te Kaat; Alexander Raabe; Yuanjie Tian | https://www.adb.org/publications/us-inflation-reduction-act-climate-finance | This paper shows that the United States Inflation Reduction Act improved the supply of climate finance globally, and notes that effective domestic climate policies can attract international finance. Industrial policies greening the economy aim to accelerate the transition to net zero. Using granular data on global investment funds, this paper identifies a novel international spillover channel of industrial policies. Sustainable global investment funds received more inflows after the Inflation Reduction Act was announced and increased their cross-border portfolio investments worldwide. Recipient economies better prepared to address climate change benefited most from sustainable global funds’ additional investments. | Climate change; Strengthening policies, governance, and capacities; Economics; Finance sector development | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
62 | Guidelines for Preparing and Using a Design and Monitoring Framework: Sovereign Operations and Technical Assistance | 16-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/guidelines-design-monitoring-framework | These guidelines set out how to develop a project-level design and monitoring framework (DMF) that can be effectively used to support sovereign operations and technical assistance programs in Asia and the Pacific. Packed with practical tips, the publication explains why DMFs are a core component of ADB’s project performance management system and play an essential role in supporting project design, implementation, and evaluation. Following these guidelines can help stakeholders from government officers to project sponsors and borrowers collaborate with ADB staff to develop solutions, measure progress, and ensure ADB-financed projects contribute to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. | ADB administration and governance | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
63 | Handbook on Energy Efficiency in Buildings | 29-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/handbook-energy-efficiency-buildings | As Asia’s building sector booms, this handbook provides practical tools and guidance to design, evaluate, and finance energy efficient building projects to help make the sector greener and more resilient. Explaining how energy efficient construction can help reduce costs, lower emissions, and improve affordability, the handbook offers practical guidance and tools, covers key project cycle stages, and delves into sustainable heating and cooling strategies. It details ways to improve procurement, monitoring and evaluation of energy efficiency measures in the building sector while underscoring the need for governments and the private sector to work together to help transition toward a zero-carbon building stock. | Energy; Access to energy | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
64 | Harmonization of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures for Greater Mekong Subregion Countries | 19-Dec-24 | Yuya Yamamoto | https://www.adb.org/publications/harmonization-sanitary-phytosanitary-measures-gms | Harmonizing sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures among Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries can help lower trade barriers and signal product quality to consumers, this brief shows. Pointing to rising trade between GMS countries and explaining the link between food security and global value chains, the brief shows how some exporters may initially be impacted by SPS measures due to adaptation costs. It recommends countries work to bring their domestic standards closer to international regulations and suggests they provide smaller exporters with trade finance and support to build capacity and drive economic growth. | Industry and trade; Regional cooperation and integration | Cambodia; China, People's Republic of; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Myanmar; Thailand; Viet Nam | ||||||||||||
65 | Harnessing Development Financing for Solutions to Displacement in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific | 16-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank; Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre | https://www.adb.org/publications/development-financing-solutions-displacement | This co-publication of the Asian Development Bank and Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre reports that disasters have resulted in more than 177 million displacements in Asia and the Pacific over the past 10 years and outlines ways multilateral development banks (MDBs) can mobilize finance and help countries reduce disaster displacement as climate change continues to affect the region. The publication explains the impact of displacement on development gains, outlines drivers including population growth and urbanization, and identifies displacement triggers. Providing a regional breakdown, it shows how MDBs can work with governments to invest in resilience building, mainstream disaster risk reduction, and finance initiatives designed to reduce the socioeconomic impact of disasters and curb future displacements. | Climate change; Promoting climate resilient development; Environment; Disaster Risk Management | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
66 | Health Effects of Climate Change and Mitigating Effects of Climate Policies: Evidence from Bangladesh | 4-Dec-24 | Shaikh Eskander; Minhaj Mahmud | https://www.adb.org/publications/health-effects-climate-change-bangladesh | This paper explores the mitigating effects of climate policies in addressing climate-induced health adversities in Bangladesh. The paper investigates the effect of in utero exposure to rainfall variations on child health in Bangladesh, finding negative effects on children’s anthropometric outcomes. It exploits the heterogeneity in location and timing of district-level allocations for climate projects under the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund. It finds that some of these rainfall-induced health adversities can be mitigated through climate policies. | Climate change; Strengthening policies, governance, and capacities; Economics; Health | Bangladesh | ||||||||||||
67 | Impact of Climate Risk on Fiscal Space: Do Political Stability and Financial Development Matter? | 30-Oct-24 | John Beirne; Donghyun Park; Jamel Saadaoui; Gazi Salah Uddin | https://www.adb.org/publications/impact-climate-risk-fiscal-space | This paper explores how climate risks adversely affect fiscal space using panel local projections covering 199 economies spanning from 1990 to 2022. The findings highlight the impact on economies most vulnerable to climate change. The results suggest that factors such as political stability and financial development have the potential to alleviate these effects. It reveals that the influence of climate risk on fiscal capacity is more significant in situations of limited fiscal space. Implementing fiscal consolidation emerges as a crucial factor in mitigating the negative impact of climate risks on fiscal capacity, with political stability and financial development also playing pivotal roles. | Climate change; Economics; Governance and public sector management | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
68 | Innovation-Driven Green Economic Diversification for Resource-Exhausted Cities in Heilongjiang Province | 30-Sep-24 | Jie Bai; Ravi Gupta | https://www.adb.org/publications/innovation-driven-green-economic-diversification-heilongjiang | This brief explores how cities in Heilongjiang Province in the People’s Republic of China could diversify away from extractive and resource-dependent industries by promoting innovation to foster high-value, low-carbon alternatives. The brief looks at how cities could harness and develop comparative advantages to create jobs. It draws on international and national best practices, policy simulation, and analysis of existing policies. | Industry and trade; Urban development | China, People's Republic of | ||||||||||||
69 | Innovative Financing for Ecological Protection and Restoration in the People’s Republic of China | 17-Oct-24 | Haitao Lan; Libin Wang; Peter Rosenkranz | https://www.adb.org/publications/innovative-financing-ecological-protection-prc | As the People’s Republic of China (PRC) steps up ecological protection and restoration spending, this brief outlines innovative investment and financing mechanisms and shows how encouraging social capital investors can spur much-needed projects. The brief explores emerging green funds, green insurance, and carbon financial products, and examines how multilateral financial organizations and governments can provide favorable loans to ecological projects. Explaining the high cost of restoring fragile ecosystems, it shows the importance of involving local governments and sets out recommendations that can also be used by other countries to solve similar challenges. | Environment; Environmental policy and legislation; Eco-efficiency; Finance sector development | China, People's Republic of | ||||||||||||
70 | Integrated Approach for Cost-Effective Disaster Risk Management | 2-Oct-24 | Jinqiang Chen; Jianping Yan; Weijun Zhang | https://www.adb.org/publications/cost-effective-disaster-risk-management | The paper explains the framework developed under the Asian Development Bank’s technical assistance project, Integrated Framework for Cost-Effective Disaster Risk Management, which can be used by decision-makers in deliberating disaster risk management (DRM) measures in the process of disaster resilience investment. This paper highlights the integrated approach for DRM, that is, a comprehensive exploration of disaster risk reduction and residual risk management measures. It outlines the prioritization process based on cost-effective approach, allowing decision-makers to consider the direct benefits and co-benefits of DRM measures and make inclusive and robust decisions in the context of high uncertainties due to climate change and socioeconomic development, and with budgetary and capacity constraints. | Climate change; Environment; Disaster Risk Management | China, People's Republic of | ||||||||||||
71 | Investigation and Enforcement Framework | 21-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/investigation-enforcement-framework | This framework sets out the Asian Development Bank’s approach to investigating suspected integrity violations committed in connection with ADB-related activities and to taking enforcement actions, including debarment. The framework contains procedures on receiving and evaluating complaints, investigative activities, enforcement and disclosure actions, appeals, reinstatement and cross debarment, and includes the terms of reference and code of conduct of the enforcement committees. These procedures are administrative in nature, and ensure due process, fairness, and consistency in any investigation and in imposing enforcement actions. | ADB administration and governance; Anticorruption and integrity in ADB operations | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
72 | Investigation and Enforcement Framework | 21-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/investigation-enforcement-framework | This framework sets out the Asian Development Bank’s approach to investigating suspected integrity violations committed in connection with ADB-related activities and to taking enforcement actions, including debarment. The framework contains procedures on receiving and evaluating complaints, investigative activities, enforcement and disclosure actions, appeals, reinstatement and cross debarment, and includes the terms of reference and code of conduct of the enforcement committees. These procedures are administrative in nature, and ensure due process, fairness, and consistency in any investigation and in imposing enforcement actions. | ADB administration and governance; Anticorruption and integrity in ADB operations | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
73 | Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific Annual Report 2023 | 25-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/japan-fund-prosperous-resilient-asia-pacific-annual-report-2023 | This annual report highlights how the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR) worked with Asian Development Bank developing member countries in 2023 to reduce vulnerabilities in the region. In 2023, the JFPR funded projects worth $47.8 million focusing on four priority thematic areas of universal health coverage, climate change and disaster risk management, quality infrastructure investment, and public finance management, in addition to poverty reduction. JFPR activities in 2024 will focus on improving project operations, operationalizing priority thematic areas—including food security and education—and deepening stakeholder collaboration and integration. | ADB funds and products; Cofinancing | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
74 | Kazakhstan’s Resource Economy: Diversification Through Global Value Chains | 17-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank; Islamic Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/kazakhstan-resource-economy | This report analyzes how Kazakhstan can diversify its resource-dependent economy, foster innovation, and increase its global market integration to support sustainable long-term growth and accelerate its shift to a high-income economy. The report details how mining and metals made up over 80% of Kazakhstan’s gross exports in 2021 and explains the need for the country to develop secondary and tertiary sectors. It outlines the steps Kazakhstan could take to invest in infrastructure and human capital, reform its financial systems, and finetune trade agreements to help boost its global competitiveness and reduce its exposure to external shocks. | Economics; Industry and trade | Kazakhstan | ||||||||||||
75 | Lessons Learned in the Skills Development for Rural Vitalization in Gansu Province, People’s Republic of China | 17-Dec-24 | Gohar Tadevosyan; Swetal Sindhvad | https://www.adb.org/publications/skills-development-rural-vitalization-gansu-prc | This brief shows how the People’s Republic of China can use technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to upskill people in rural areas and better enable them to harness digital technology to drive innovation and economic growth. Highlighting programs in Gansu Province to improve e-commerce skills, boost entrepreneurship, and deliver training to ethnic minority women, the brief explains the challenges posed by low education levels and limited technical experience. It shows how measures including partnering with private companies and employing holistic career counseling could improve TVET in Gansu to help farmers close the income divide and promote rural revitalization. | Education; Technical and vocational education and training | China, People's Republic of | ||||||||||||
76 | Local Fiscal Multipliers in the People’s Republic of China: What Have We Learned? | 4-Dec-24 | Akiko Terada-Hagiwara; Yothin Jinjarak; Huanhuan Zheng; Hanmin Dong | https://www.adb.org/publications/local-fiscal-multipliers-peoples-republic-china | This paper assesses the impact of local government spending on provincial outputs in the People's Republic of China. Public investment in science and technology has multiplying effects on output, which benefits long-term productivity. If excessive, fiscal deficits and public debt can weaken the benefits of expansionary policies. Differentiating the impact of specific spending components and the economic environment on the provincial output and local fiscal conditions remains challenging. Future research can explore this further with more disaggregated administrative project-level data. | Economics; Governance and public sector management; Public financial management | China, People's Republic of | ||||||||||||
77 | Mainstreaming Forest Conservation Finance: Integrating Positive Incentives with Due Diligence in Global Supply Chains | 26-Dec-24 | Lan Le; Elisabeth Hoch; Martino Pelli; Jan Börner; Jindra Nuella Samson; Christian Fischer; Henry Cornwell | https://www.adb.org/publications/mainstreaming-forest-conservation-finance | This brief underscores the economic and environmental importance of forests and looks at ways Asia and the Pacific can develop innovative payments for ecosystem services (PES) that preserve its forests and underpin sustainable development. The brief explains the region is home to 20% of the world’s forests, which are increasingly under threat as the push for development clashes with the need for ecosystem protection. Urging an integrated approach, it sets out how governments can set up PES enabling environments, delves into financing challenges, and shows how G20 and G7 countries can support project funding to help take forest finance mainstream. | Environment; Natural resources conservation | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
78 | Marriage, Motherhood, and Women’s Employment in Rural India | 6-Dec-24 | Rahul Lahoti; Rosa Abraham; Hema Swaminathan | https://www.adb.org/publications/marriage-motherhood-women-employment-india | This paper on women’s labor market participation in rural India highlights the crucial role of socioeconomic context in shaping the impact of marriage and childbirth. The paper analyzes women’s labor market trajectories from age 15 onward. It finds that marriage leads to a significant and sustained increase in women’s labor supply, particularly in informal agricultural work. This increase is more pronounced among women from poorer households and those with working mothers. Notably, childbirth does not negatively impact labor supply; this differs from findings in higher-income countries. The authors attribute these results to early marriage and motherhood, low levels of economic development, and the prevalence of informal employment. | Economics; Gender Equality; Social protection - labor and employment | India | ||||||||||||
79 | Measuring Port Activities and Lockdown Impact Using Automatic Identification System Data | 28-Oct-24 | Ah-Hyun Jo; Seong-Hyun Cho; Bo-Kyung Kim; Kijin Kim; Ammielou Gaduena | https://www.adb.org/publications/port-activities-lockdown-impact-ais-data | This study examines congestion in major container ports and how port characteristics and regional factors are influenced by the coronavirus disease pandemic. Port congestion indicators were developed, including vessel arrivals, waiting time, and service time. Descriptive analysis shows service and waiting times were significantly higher in 2021 due to global supply chain disruptions, with import/export ports more affected than transshipment hubs. Econometric analysis indicates increased mobility restrictions reduced ship calls and increased waiting times at anchorage, with significant spillover effects from neighboring ports. | Economics; Industry and trade; Transport; Ports, waterways, and shipping | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
80 | Mentoring, Educational Preferences, and Career Choice: Evidence from Two Field Experiments in Bhutan | 19-Dec-24 | Ryotaro Hayashi; Hyuncheol Bryant Kim; Norihiko Matsuda; Trinh Pham | https://www.adb.org/publications/mentoring-educational-preferences-career-bhutan | Two separate field experiments were conducted to examine whether mentoring impacts the educational preferences and career choices of Bhutanese students in grades 10 and 12. The mentoring programs focus on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for grade 12 students and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for grade 10 students, providing information on labor market outcomes and mentors' experiences. Despite different levels of stigma toward TVET and STEM, both programs generate greater interest and positive shifts in attitudes. However, this increased interest does not lead to higher applications or enrollments, highlighting the importance of nonmonetary factors in educational decision-making. | Economics; Education; Education sector development | Bhutan | ||||||||||||
81 | Mongolia Sustainable Development Goal Finance Taxonomy Pilot | 28-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/mongolia-sdg-finance-taxonomy-pilot | This report shows how a Mongolia pilot project to help measure private sector capital flows toward projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) could accelerate the transition to a climate-resilient, inclusive economy. A co-publication between ADB and UNDP, the report explains how the Mongolia Sustainable Development Goal Finance Taxonomy builds on the country’s Green Taxonomy framework to highlight ways to expand sustainable financing. With banks and microfinance institutions expected to adopt the new taxonomy from 2025, the report sets out ways it could be revised to improve the way investors identify and track their SDG-aligned financing activities. | Finance sector development; Sustainable Development Goals | Mongolia | ||||||||||||
82 | National Climate Finance Vehicles: Best Practice Insights from International Case Studies | 8-Nov-24 | Michael Schur; Aisha Reynolds | https://www.adb.org/publications/national-climate-finance-vehicles | This working paper—developed under ADB’s NDC Advance technical assistance platform—sets out the important role that national climate finance vehicles can play in stimulating investment in low-carbon and climate-resilient development. It presents a model design framework and readiness criteria for clarifying the key factors supporting effective operation and achieving prioritized climate outcomes and sustainable development. The paper presents three case studies of national financing vehicles from Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand, identifying success factors and lessons learned. The paper concludes with key recommendations for developing member countries to inform the approach to designing and operationalizing a climate finance vehicle. | Climate change; Promoting climate resilient development; Finance sector development | Indonesia; Thailand | ||||||||||||
83 | Nature-Based Solutions for Asia and the Pacific | 7-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/nature-based-solutions-asia-pacific | This brochure outlines how nature is being rapidly degraded and shows how ADB-designed nature-based solutions (NBS) can help protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems to make countries in Asia and the Pacific more climate resilient. With over half the region’s economy dependent on nature, this brochure highlights the climate benefits of ecosystem services and the potential impacts if they continue to be eroded. It shows why ADB takes a cross-sectoral approach to designing NBS, provides examples of bankable solutions such as sponge cities, and explains how its pragmatic strategy involving financing and policy support fits into its climate change action plan. | Climate change; Environment; Global and regional transboundary environmental concerns; Environmental policy and legislation | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
84 | One Water: An Integrated and Adaptive Approach for Rural Wastewater Management in the People's Republic of China | 12-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/one-water-rural-wastewater-management-prc | This report shows how adopting the One Water holistic water management approach could help the People’s Republic of China (PRC) analyze rural wastewater issues and build cost-effective circular solutions based on the specific needs of each village. The report explains how the One Water method can be used to effectively assess water resources in rural communities, see how they are interconnected, and develop integrated and adaptive wastewater systems. It considers wastewater characteristics, presents different ways to dispose of waste, and highlights how rural wastewater management can help provide inclusive access to affordable sanitation systems and support sustainable development. | Water; Wastewater; Water Resource Management | China, People's Republic of | ||||||||||||
85 | Operational Certification Procedures of Free Trade Agreements in Asia: An In-Depth Analysis for Implementing Trade Facilitation Reforms | 24-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/operational-certification-free-trade-agreements-asia | This report delivers an in-depth analysis of operational certification procedures (OCPs) across a range of Asian free trade agreements (FTAs). It covers selected FTAs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) including the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), ASEAN+1 agreements with dialogue partners, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as well as other major FTAs such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and agreements with the European Union and the United States. By examining how variations in certification requirements affect trade facilitation, the report highlights opportunities for adopting best practices, such as the use of electronic certificates of origin and self-certification. It serves as a guide for policymakers and businesses in navigating the complexities of certification while outlining actionable reforms to enhance regional trade efficiency through streamlined, business-friendly OCPs. | Industry and trade; Regional cooperation and integration | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
86 | Pakistan’s Low-Carbon Energy Outlook and Technology Road Map | 13-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/pakistan-low-carbon-energy-outlook | This report, as part of a series on energy and emission pathways, examines business-as-usual and low-carbon scenarios for Pakistan. The report outlines the technologies, efficiency measures, and the investment costs associated with the low-carbon pathway. It analyzes various barriers and enablers for the application of the technologies that are part of the cost-minimization pathway. It also identifies the investment needs for each technology, along with potential modalities for sourcing the necessary financial resources for their deployment. | Energy; Energy sector governance and reform; Access to energy | Pakistan | ||||||||||||
87 | Preparing for Disease X: Lessons Learned from the Gendered Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Pacific | 21-Nov-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/disease-x-lessons-gendered-impacts-covid19-pacific | Presenting “Disease X”, a hypothetical infection posing a public health risk, this report aims to help the Pacific implement responsive measures to mitigate the disproportionate impact of future crises on women and ensure an inclusive recovery. Drawing on lessons learned from COVID-19, which reversed gender equality gains, the report outlines the need for gender-inclusive preparedness and response to outbreaks of unforeseen pathogens. Targeting the Pacific’s policymakers and gender equality professionals, it recommends reinforcing gender-disaggregated data, boosting social protection, and ensuring equal vaccine access to help build resilient health systems that can better cope with future outbreaks. | Gender Equality; Health; COVID-19; Social development and protection; Social protection | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
88 | Principles and Practices of Due Diligence in Bond Underwriting | 3-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/due-diligence-bond-underwriting | This brief highlights the role of bond underwriting and shows how it helps reduce risk and ensure fair pricing to maintain the credibility and stability of international capital markets. The brief details how the due diligence process works, explains how it underpins bond markets, and sets out how it helps both issuers and investors identify risks that could affect their decision making. Drawing on a case study from Japan, it looks at the role of underwriters and shows how effective due diligence can play a role in encouraging issuers and investors to participate in nascent bond markets. | Finance sector development; Regional cooperation and integration | Japan | ||||||||||||
89 | Public–Private Partnership Monitor: Georgia | 23-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/public-private-partnership-monitor-georgia-2024 | Analyzing Georgia’s nascent public–private partnership (PPP) landscape, this report sets out how a robust enabling environment is helping build the country's infrastructure needs to become a regional transport and logistics hub. This report is part of an ADB flagship series that considers financing options and assesses constraints, such as low awareness and insufficient PPP opportunities at both local and national levels. The report also details how Georgia’s PPP Agency and PPP Law are supporting efforts to attract investment partners and bolster critical infrastructure that can further strengthen the economy. | Private sector development; Public-Private Partnerships | Georgia | ||||||||||||
90 | Public–Private Partnership Monitor: Sri Lanka | 12-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/public-private-partnership-monitor-sri-lanka | This publication provides a detailed overview of the public–private partnership (PPP) landscape in Sri Lanka, outlines challenges, and explains how rebuilding a national PPP policy can help meet its substantial infrastructure needs. The publication shows how Sri Lanka has completed nearly 179 PPP projects worth $5.3 billion since 1990 with many in the port and power sectors. It analyzes how tackling funding and regulatory constraints and putting adequate dispute resolution mechanisms in place could help Sri Lanka realize the potential of private sector investment and drive sustainable infrastructure development. | Private sector development; Public-Private Partnerships | Sri Lanka | ||||||||||||
91 | Redefining Financial Ecosystems in Asia and the Pacific: A New Era of Open Banking, Open Finance, and Inclusive Growth | 17-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/redefining-financial-ecosystems-asia-pacific | This publication examines the rapid evolution of innovative open finance frameworks and considers their potential to transform Asia and the Pacific’s financial landscape to make it more inclusive, efficient, and equitable. Building on open banking’s secure consumer data exchange, the publication explains how open finance includes services from mortgages to pensions. By using nontraditional credit scoring, it better accommodates underserved businesses and communities who are frequently excluded from the financial mainstream. It underscores the need to develop common standards, strong regulatory frameworks, and robust security practices plus ramp up digital literacy and financial education to ensure open finance realizes its potential. | Finance sector development; Financial markets and institutions; Information and Communications Technology | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
92 | Regionalism, Productivity, and Innovation: An Empirical Investigation | 13-Dec-24 | Massimiliano Tani; Rolando Avendano; Lovely C. Tolin | https://www.adb.org/publications/regionalism-productivity-innovation | This paper explores the role of regional cooperation on underlying factors of economic growth. Using a sample of 170 economies and 60,000 firms, the paper explores how policy choices of regional cooperation contribute to labor productivity and firms’ innovation. Results suggest that economies’ participation in regional value chains, and connectivity in infrastructure and technology can be drivers of labor productivity and innovation. Strengthening institutional choices and participation in regional initiatives can catalyze the benefits from regional integration. | Economics; Regional cooperation and integration | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
93 | Rejuvenating the City: Case Studies in Urban Redevelopment and Renewal | 19-Dec-24 | Shirley Ballaney; Anindita Mukherjee; Hong Soo Lee; Saswati Ghosh Belliappa | https://www.adb.org/publications/rejuvenating-cities-case-studies | This working paper presents five case studies of urban redevelopment strategies adopted in India, outlines the lessons learned, and provides larger recommendations for the region. Urban redevelopment can offer solutions for re-visioning cities to accommodate optimized densities, multi-modal transport, and affordable housing, while preserving cultural heritage and fostering climate resilience. The paper argues for robust land management frameworks, including land records and property valuation systems, regulatory planning frameworks for area-based redevelopment, capacity building of cities to access and absorb finance, citizen engagement, private sector involvement, and integrating safeguards as fundamental to building inclusive, sustainable, and livable cities. | Urban development | India | ||||||||||||
94 | Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund Annual Report 2023 | 29-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/documents/annual-report-e-asia-and-knowledge-partnership-fund-2023 | This report outlines the key activities of the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund (EAKPF) in 2023 and shows how it supported projects designed to strengthen logistics, bond markets, and education. The 17th annual report since EAKPF’s inception in 2006, it explains how ROK approved 21 funding proposals totaling $16.4 million during 2023. It tracks the cumulative operations and performance of EAKPF, which aims to bolster economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific by improving access to information and communication technology and facilitating knowledge sharing. | ADB funds and products; Cofinancing; Information and Communications Technology | Korea, Republic of | ||||||||||||
95 | Road Maintenance Financing and Cost Recovery Options: The Future of Road User Revenues in Developing Asia and the Pacific | 22-Nov-24 | Serge Cartier van Dissel; Michael Anyala | https://www.adb.org/publications/road-maintenance-financing-cost-recovery-options | This paper on road maintenance financing and cost recovery options is the first of three that present the results and recommendations of a study on the Future of Road User Revenues in Developing Asia and the Pacific. It was developed as part of the Asian Development Bank’s technical assistance on Improving Infrastructure Sustainability through Better Asset Management, which aims to enhance asset management maturity and operations across infrastructure sectors in ADB developing member countries. This report covers: Bangladesh, Cambodia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu. | Transport; Transport safety; Roads and Highways; Bridges | Bangladesh; Cambodia; Kyrgyz Republic; Mongolia; Nepal; Pakistan; Papua New Guinea; Timor-Leste; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu | ||||||||||||
96 | Roles of Access to Finance in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development in Viet Nam | 5-Dec-24 | Ngoc Anh Nguyen; Ha-My Bui; Gia-Tan Nguyen; Manfred Kiefer; Christian Abeleda | https://www.adb.org/publications/access-finance-sme-development-viet-nam | This working paper explores the impact of access to finance on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Viet Nam, with a particular focus on the economic effects of a 2021 loan from the Asian Development Bank to the Vietnam International Bank. The study assesses the effect of loan access on SME operations and firm growth and estimates the aggregate impact on local economic development with a focus on job generation. | Finance sector development; Financial markets and institutions; Small and medium enterprise (SME) financing | Viet Nam | ||||||||||||
97 | Satellite Earth Observation Assets and Solutions: Supporting Operations in Asia and the Pacific | 15-Nov-24 | Paolo Manunta; Stephen Coulson | https://www.adb.org/publications/satellite-earth-observation-assets-solutions | This paper describes the main changes taking place in satellite Earth Observation (EO), and captures the initial experiences of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and its developing member countries using EO information in daily work. It provides recommendations to strengthen and expand the application of EO information in ADB development operations. | Country operations; Information and Communications Technology | Asia and the Pacific | ||||||||||||
98 | Scaling Up One Health Approaches in the Greater Mekong Subregion | 2-Dec-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/scaling-up-one-health-approaches-gms | This publication outlines how the One Health approach can be stepped up in the Greater Mekong Subregion to address climate change, boost food security, and tackle disease resistance to help optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. The publication addresses the use of wildlife, underlines the need to ramp up action against diseases such as rabies, and shows why countries should build up their animal health capacities. Drawing on the lessons learned from the pandemic, it identifies investment opportunities and recommends countries improve regional cooperation, reinforce infrastructure, and build on One Health coordination mechanisms to protect regional health security. | Health; Health system development; Regional cooperation and integration | Cambodia; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Thailand; Viet Nam | ||||||||||||
99 | Socioeconomic Impact Assessment of the Malalison Island Solar Photovoltaic Hybrid Project in the Philippines | 14-Oct-24 | Asian Development Bank | https://www.adb.org/publications/socioeconomic-impact-malalison-island-solar-project | This report shows how the Philippine’s Malalison Island pilot hybrid solar photovoltaic project generated reliable 24/7 electricity and could be scaled up to other off-grid communities across the archipelago to improve energy equity and increase resilience. It shows how 188 households and businesses in Malalison benefited from lower energy prices through the ADB-backed hybrid diesel-based scheme, which helped lift living standards and livelihoods. Explaining the role of private sector partners, the report shows how the hybrid project can be replicated with the backing of organizations such as ADB to bring clean, sustainable energy to all. | Energy; Clean energy; Access to energy | Philippines | ||||||||||||
100 | Storms, Early Education, and Human Capital | 2-Oct-24 | Martino Pelli; Jeanne Tschopp | https://www.adb.org/publications/storms-early-education-human-capital | This paper examines the impact of school-age exposure to storms on education and employment outcomes in India. Using wind exposure histories, the paper shows that exposure to an average storm can cause a 2.4 percentage point increase in educational delays, a 2 percentage point drop in post-secondary education attainment, and a 1.6 percentage point decline in regular salaried employment. The study also highlights the role of damaged school infrastructure and declining household income in driving these outcomes. | Climate change; Economics; Education; Social protection - labor and employment | India |