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Each electric ferry can transport up to 250 passengers, helping to reduce noise and water pollution along the busy Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Photo credit: ADB.
News
11 May 2022

ADB Finances Electric Ferries in Thailand—First in Southeast Asia

The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 18,900 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent a year.
Supporting Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery in Southeast Asia
Publication
4 May 2022

Supporting Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery in Southeast Asia

This report proposes reforms in five key sectors to support the region's COVID-19 economic recovery and drive sustainable, broad-based growth.
A Preliminary Assessment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Publication
28 April 2022

A Preliminary Assessment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

This brief discusses the potential benefits of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement and provides recommendations on how to maximize its potential.
Sand is the world’s second most exploited resource and must be wisely managed. Photo credit: ADB.
News
28 April 2022

Sand Crisis Looms as Demand Surges, Warns UN Report

Sand must be recognized as a strategic resource, not only as a material for construction, but also for its multiple roles in the environment.
Article
27 April 2022

Laid Off due to COVID-19

Thanks to an intensive skills training, Syafii Ghazali was able to retool to transition from a career in publishing to software development.
More companies have gained a better understanding on the benefits of ESG compliance as they transform their supply chains to be more sustainable. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
27 April 2022

Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance Risks under the Lens

As regulation tightens and social pressure increases, Refinitv takes a look at the past, the present, and the future for companies implementing ESG compliance programs.
By 2030, the region’s green economy will contribute $1 trillion in economic opportunities, and potentially contribute 6%–8% growth in GDP from new growth areas. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
26 April 2022

Financing Climate Action: Three Priorities for Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia needs to rapidly mobilize private funds to meet the region's financial needs of $210 billion per year in adaptation and mitigation investments.
The well-being of women and girls should be at the heart of recovery programs. Photo credit: ADB.
News
26 April 2022

Southeast Asia's Recovery Should Be People-Centered

With the pandemic amplifying the inequalities plaguing the region, it has become more urgent to adopt inclusive solutions to build back better.
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.
Article
19 April 2022

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
18 April 2022

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.
Indonesia is moving away from mass tourism in favor of ecotourism and sports tourism and is bent on promoting nature and culture to tourists. Photo credit: iStock/kapulya.
News
13 April 2022

Why Southeast Asia Needs to Embrace Sustainable Tourism

As the region starts reviving travel, there is a growing consensus the pandemic is an opportunity to fix structural issues that have plagued tourism over the years and rebuild it greener.
Asian Development Outlook 2022: Mobilizing Taxes for Development
Publication
11 April 2022

Asian Development Outlook 2022: Mobilizing Taxes for Development

This report examines the economic outlook of developing Asia amid global turbulence and lingering effects of the pandemic.
Provincial Facilitation for Investment and Trade Index: Measuring Economic Governance for Business Development in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Publication
11 April 2022

Provincial Facilitation for Investment and Trade Index: Measuring Economic Governance for Business Development in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

This report surveyed more than 1,000 businesses to gauge how well provinces support private sector development.
Nusantara is located roughly between two urban centers in East Kalimantan, Balikpapan and Samarinda (in photo). Photo credit: iStock/vidiawan.
News
11 April 2022

Building a Green and Smart City in Indonesia’s New Capital

The capital will be relocated to an area covered by BIMP-EAGA where it could help drive the subregion’s development and growth.
Inflation in the region remains manageable but is forecast to rise to 3.7% this year, before moderating to 3.1% in 2023. Photo credit: ADB.
News
6 April 2022

Developing Asia Economies Set to Grow 5.2% This Year Amid Global Uncertainty

The trade-dependent economies of Southeast Asia are forecast to grow collectively by 4.9% this year and 5.2% in 2023.