This report highlights some emerging trends in Aid for Trade (AfT) and trade performance, and explores them in the context of the theme of the 5th Global Review of AfT: -Reducing Trade Costs for Inclusive, Sustainable Growth.- Divided into four chapters, the introduction sets the stage by describing general trends in trade costs, AfT, and inclusiveness; Chapter 2 introduces the idea and opportunities of e-commerce for the region; Chapter 3 analyzes trends in trade costs in Central, East, South, and Southeast Asia; and Chapter 4 offers an in-depth case study of AfT and trade costs in the...

The development and analysis of financial soundness indicators help policy makers identify the strengths and vulnerabilities in their countries' financial systems and take preventive action to avert a crisis or at least minimize its effects. This publication presents the country case study for Bangladesh.

The development and analysis of financial soundness indicators help policy makers identify the strengths and vulnerabilities in their countries' financial systems and take preventive action to avert a crisis or at least minimize its effects. This publication presents the country case studies for Bangladesh, Georgia, and Viet Nam.

The development and analysis of financial soundness indicators help policy makers identify the strengths and vulnerabilities in their countries' financial systems and take preventive action to avert a crisis or at least minimize its effects. This publication presents the country case study for Georgia.

The development and analysis of financial soundness indicators help policy makers identify the strengths and vulnerabilities in their countries' financial systems and take preventive action to avert a crisis or at least minimize its effects. This publication presents the country case study for Viet Nam.

This report examines the challenges the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states face under the ASEAN Economic Community in achieving the goal of greater mobility for the highly skilled, including hurdles in recognizing professional qualifications, opening up access to certain jobs, and a limited willingness by professionals to move due to perceived cultural, language, and socioeconomic differences. The cost of these barriers is staggering and could reduce the region's competitiveness. This report offers a range of policy recommendations, taking into account best practices...

Developing Asia faces considerable headwinds from slow recovery in the major industrial economies and moderating prospects for the large economies of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and India. Subdued demand from the industrial economies and the PRC has delayed the expected pickup in growth in other parts of Asia, including Southeast Asia's larger economies. The region must strengthen its resilience under external shocks. Macroprudential policy can engender enough independence in monetary policy to counter destabilizing capital flows, while a well-developed domestic financial system can...

The study examines the Philippine government's convergence initiative and how it relates to community-driven development (CDD) that can impact rural communities in the Philippines. Through case studies, the study looks at the interactions among the three major development assistance programs implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), namely, KALAHI-CIDSS National CDD Program, Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, and Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Asia and the Pacific has achieved rapid economic expansion in recent years and has become a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With more than half of the world's population and high rates of economic growth, the region is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This publication highlights how robust policies on emissions trading systems can be important tools in reducing GHG emissions in a cost-effective manner, as well as supporting the mobilization of finance together with deployment of innovative technologies. It also examines the possibilities for future...

ADB has issued its Sustainability Report every 2 years since 2007. The Sustainability Report allows stakeholders to assess ADB's operational and organizational sustainability performance and provides them with a single point of reference to understand the organization's commitment to sustainable development. The 2016 Sustainability Report highlights the integration of sustainability into ADB's investments and organizational activities in 2015. A separate detailed Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) index contains the responses of ADB to standard and specific disclosures in the GRI's G4...