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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.

Mechatronics students in Indonesia work on their soccer-bots. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
18 June 2021

A 4IR-Ready Workforce May Be the Key to Faster Business Recovery

Research in Southeast Asia shows large potential returns to businesses arising from productivity increases, creating 169 million jobs by 2030.
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.
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.
An ASEAN report says startups have the potential to drive innovation, create jobs, and spur economic growth, but they are also usually “high-risk.” Photo credit: iStock/imtmphoto.
Article
6 May 2021

Hunting for a Unicorn Startup in BIMP-EAGA

Helping startups flourish requires not just a host of measures but a change in mindset.
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.
Vaccination reduces risks of getting a disease. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
15 March 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination: Leave No One Behind

Here's why a combination of international, regional, and national initiatives is needed to ensure that no one is left behind.
Climate Bonds Initiative considers the Philippines as a leader in green finance in Southeast Asia because of a growing portfolio of green bonds and infrastructure. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
12 January 2021

The Philippines Grows Its Green Finance Market

A report examines initiatives to promote green finance and recommends measures to attract more investments in green infrastructure.
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 Philippines' cacao output remains far below the target of 100,000 metric tons by 2022. Photo credit: iStock/Narong KHUEANKAEW.
Article
11 December 2020

Finding Gold in Cacao

The development of agricultural value chains can help turn cacao into a cash crop for farmers in the southern Philippines.
Lack of clean water will make it difficult for people to wash their hands frequently to prevent COVID-19 infection. Photo credit: iStock/Dzaqi Akbar.
Article
1 December 2020

Preparing for Drought during a Pandemic

A UNESCAP–ASEAN report urges policy makers to include climate action and adaption in COVID-19 stimulus packages.