Two years after the pandemic started, Southeast Asia is beginning to recover, although the pace remains tentative, uneven, and sensitive to the volatile path of the pandemic. Output levels in the region are still well below the no-COVID baseline level, and the spread of the Omicron variant could further reduce growth forecasts. While the pandemic has exposed many of the region’s economic and social vulnerabilities, it has also intensified earnest efforts to build back better, which governments can do by investing in health, improving social assistance programs, supporting small enterprises, building competitiveness, and choosing a greener path to economic recovery. How countries build on key lessons learned and respond to pressing challenges today will determine the pace and sustainability of their recovery efforts.

Welcome Remarks:

• Ramesh Subramaniam, Director General, Southeast Asia Department, ADB

Keynote Presentation:

• James Villafuerte, Senior Economist, Southeast Asia Department, ADB

Panel Discussion:

• Henry Ma, Senior Country Economist, Indonesia Resident Mission, ADB
• Soulinthone Leuangkhamsin, Senior Economics Officer, Lao PDR Resident Mission, ADB
• Dulce Zara, Senior Regional Cooperation Officer, Southeast Asia Department, ADB
• Kavita Iyengar, Country Economist, Timor-Leste Resident Mission, ADB
• Nguyen Luu Thuc Phuong, Economic Analyst, Viet Nam Resident Mission, ADB

Moderator:

• Alfredo Perdiguero, Director, Southeast Asia Department, ADB