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BIMP-EAGA

BIMP-EAGA

The Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, or BIMP-EAGA, is a cooperation initiative established in 1994 to spur development in remote and less developed areas in the four participating Southeast Asian countries.

Small businesses suffered large income and capital losses during the pandemic. Photo credit: ADB.
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4 Mistakes MSMEs Made During COVID-19

A study of Southeast Asian businesses shows what not to do during a crisis.
On average, MSMEs account for 97% of all enterprises and 69% of the total workforce in Southeast Asia. Photo credit: ADB.
News

7 Ways to Bolster Southeast Asia’s ‘Fragile’ MSMEs

Prioritizing the most vulnerable and a tailored approach are just among the measures needed to steer MSMEs through the COVID-19 crisis.
Consumption growth in Southeast Asia rebounded strongly between January and May this year. Photo credit: ADB. , Asian Development Outlook 2022, Southeast Asia
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ADB Sees Brighter Outlook for Southeast Asia

Indonesia and the Philippines are expected to grow faster this year amid increased domestic demand as COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed and borders reopen.
Renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, can help countries recover from the pandemic by creating jobs and opportunities as well as support their climate goals. Photo credit: ADB.
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More than $600M Pledged for Green Infrastructure in Southeast Asia at COP26

The new funding will go to the ASEAN Green Recovery Platform, which backs low-carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure projects.
Improving the competitiveness of the garment sector—a significant employer of women—is critical. Photo credit: ADB​​​​​​.
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Targeted Support for Growth Sectors Can Boost Post-Pandemic Recovery

More than 2 years into the pandemic, economic recovery is beginning to gain momentum in the ASEAN+3 region.
Policy makers and educators should prioritize support for young children who suffered the most in terms of missed learning opportunities during the pandemic. Photo credit: ADB.
Article

Southeast Asia Prepares for the Safe Reopening of Schools and Future Disruptions

Around 140 million children and adolescents in Southeast Asia have suffered unprecedented education and learning disruptions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Big data applications can help provide a better understanding of the skills gap as well as address the mismatch between skills and jobs though tailored learning and better job matching. Photo credit: ADB.
Article

How Big Data Can Open $100 Billion in Opportunities in Southeast Asia

Big data applications can enhance the delivery of education, health, and social welfare services and speed up recovery from the pandemic.
The ASEAN universal verification mechanism will use digital technology and ensure data privacy protection and security. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.
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ASEAN to Develop One System for Verifying Vaccinated Travelers

Health ministers agree to work toward mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates in the region.
With 65% of Asia’s infrastructure projects not considered bankable and with the clock ticking to deliver on their net-zero goals, countries like Indonesia are under pressure to line up green projects that would attract investments from the private sector. Photo credit: ADB.
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6 Ways Indonesia Can Green Its Infrastructure Pipeline

Incorporating environmental, social, and governance norms in planning and offering incentives for fund raising, among ways to add more green projects.
Strong global demand for electronics, fewer supply disruptions, and high commodity prices boosted exports in Southeast Asia last year. Photo credit: ADB.
News

Bullish Outlook for Southeast Asia amid Global Uncertainty

Economic gains continue despite tapering by the US Central Bank in November in response to rising inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.