The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has raised debt sustainability issues in Asia, with the debt-to-GDP ratio of ASEAN economies rising from 47% in 2019 to 52% in 2020. Debt will likely rise further in 2021 as fiscal stimulus continues and tax revenue remains weak due to gradual economic recovery.

This webinar examined how the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened debt vulnerability in the region and how the Asian Development Bank (ADB) can support countries keep their debts sustainable despite the need to support COVID-19-related spending priorities.

The webinar was organized by ADB's Southeast Asia Department (SERD). The SERD Policy Talk (SPOT) features conversations on new ideas and development beyond office walls. It aims to inspire people to explore issues outside their normal area of work and encourages active interaction and debate among the participants with their varied perspectives and approaches.

Speakers

• Lei Lei Song, Regional Economic Advisor, ADB;
• Jhelum Tini Thomas, Senior Public Management Specialist, ADB
• Peter Rosenkranz, Economist, ADB
• Moderator: James Villafuerte, Senior Economist, ADB

Download event report.