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The regional action plan complements existing country actions, such as efforts to clean up and rehabilitate waterways, which lead to the ocean. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
14 June 2021

Southeast Asia Takes Action against Plastic Pollution

ASEAN has adopted a regional action plan to reduce marine plastic debris.
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Publication
3 June 2021

Strengthening Domestic Resource Mobilization in Southeast Asia

The ADB brief recommends measures to help Southeast Asian countries improve revenue collection in the wake of the coronavirus disease pandemic.
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Publication
3 June 2021

Harnessing the Potential of Big Data in Post-Pandemic Southeast Asia

This brief looks at how Southeast Asian countries can leverage on big data to improve public service delivery and sustain recovery from the coronavirus disease pandemic.
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Publication
3 June 2021

Implementing a Green Recovery in Southeast Asia

This brief prescribes a green recovery path for Southeast Asia in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery in Southeast Asia cover photo.
Publication
3 June 2021

Supporting Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery in Southeast Asia

This policy brief recommends ways to boost five key sectors to support Southeast Asia’s economic recovery following the coronavirus disease pandemic.
E-commerce transactions in Southeast Asia surged in 2020 as an increasing number of consumers and businesses move to contactless, digital platforms in response to COVID-19. Photo credit: iStock/ipopba.
Article
1 June 2021

Southeast Asia Prepares Shift to Digital Payments

Countries are upgrading payment systems and updating regulatory frameworks to promote financial innovation and improve security.
SERD Policy Talk: Reinvigorating the Agro-Processing Industry
Publication
31 May 2021

Reinvigorating the Agro-Processing Industry

This report is based on a webinar that discussed the role of public and private sectors in reinvigorating the agro-processing industry in Southeast Asia.
Switching to clean, accessible, low-cost and secure energy can benefit ASEAN member states in achieving their energy and climate goals. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
20 April 2021

A Green Recovery Can Make Southeast Asia an Economic Powerhouse

While COVID-19 continues to wreak socio-economic havoc across the region, the recovery provides a unique opportunity to fast track the transition toward green growth.
The ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility is supporting the recently approved sustainable transport project EDSA Greenways in the Philippines. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
31 March 2021

What Is the Green Recovery Program in Southeast Asia?

ASEAN plans to build back cleaner after COVID-19 by investing in sustainable transport, clean energy, and low-carbon agriculture.
ASEAN’s unified response to the pandemic has allowed countries to contain the spread of the virus. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
11 February 2021

To Build Back Better, Southeast Asia Needs to Collaborate More, Be Inclusive, Green, and Digital

With no clear end in sight for the pandemic, Southeast Asian countries need to work together to sustain recovery under the new normal.
ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility 2019–2020: Accelerating Green Finance in Southeast Asia
Publication
31 January 2021

ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility 2019–2020: Accelerating Green Finance in Southeast Asia

This report looks at the achievements of ACGF from the pilot phase between 2019 and 2021.
Reaping the Benefits of Industry 4.0 through Skills Development in High-Growth Industries in Southeast Asia: Insights from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam cover.
Publication
28 January 2021

Reaping the Benefits of Industry 4.0 through Skills Development in High-Growth Industries in Southeast Asia: Insights from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam

This report examines how the Fourth Industrial Revolution could benefit Southeast Asian countries.
ASEAN wants media organizations to offer closed caption, audio description, and sign language in their broadcasts. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
14 January 2021

ASEAN Wants to Give People with Disabilities Better Access to Digital Broadcasts

ASEAN broadcast organizations will be encouraged to offer closed caption, audio description, and sign language services.
The MOU covers the ASEAN List of Essential Goods, which covers mostly medicines and medical supplies and also includes soaps, disinfectants, and face masks. Photo credit: ADB.
News
28 December 2020

ASEAN Removes Trade Barriers on Medicines and Other Essential Goods

Ten countries in Southeast Asia are removing restrictions on intraregional trade of medicines and other goods needed to fight COVID-19.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement is expected to improve market access, build regional supply chains, increase investments and opportunities, and boost economic recovery efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. Photo credit: ADB.
News
24 November 2020

5 Things You Need to Know about ASEAN’s Biggest Trade Agreement

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership groups the 10 ASEAN member states and its 5 regional partners: Australia, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand.