This guidance note is designed to help developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank strengthen their health systems and security as they recover from the impact of COVID-19. Drawing on evidence-based and expert-validated interventions, it lays out a comprehensive series of measures policy makers could weave into national agendas. These range from steps to bolster health guidelines and ramp up testing and contact tracing to strategies that can improve community engagement and prevent misinformation. The guidance note discusses ways of addressing local gaps and priorities,...

This report examines the feasibility of establishing an electronic marketplace for trading nonperforming loans (NPLs) in Asia and the Pacific and explains how this would benefit financial stability in the region. A sharp increase in NPLs could threaten to destabilize financial systems in the region and compromise post-pandemic economic recovery. The report explains how trading distressed assets may help relieve pressure on banks to ensure they have the capacity to continue financial intermediation. Designed to serve as a road map, it assesses the region's demand and readiness for an NPL...

This publication presents eight case studies of recent ADB projects that highlight innovative interventions and effective approaches to reduce poverty. The case studies include projects in Bangladesh, the Cook Islands, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, and the People's Republic of China. Together they focus on four themes: ensuring equality and inclusion, caring for the environment, securing food for all, and sustaining prosperity through access to finance. The publication builds on the first volume of poverty reduction case studies published in 2019.

This edition reviews developments in East Asian financial conditions and local currency bond markets. Long-term bond yields declined reflecting a dimming growth outlook while bond issuance achieved a record-high in the second quarter of 2022. Yields on 10-year local currency government bonds dropped and yield curves flattened due to mounting risks and a dimming economic outlook between 15 June and 24 August. The record-high regional bond issuance during the second quarter was driven mostly by efforts to support economy recovery. Issuance in ASEAN member economies rose to USD418.1 billion,...

This report assesses the current ecosystem for tech-based startups in Azerbaijan, specifically in Baku, Ganja, and Shamakhi. It examines the extent to which the ecosystem fosters startups and identifies opportunities for strengthening this support. Technology-based startup enterprises are an increasingly important part of the business landscape in Asia and the Pacific. By applying innovative technologies to create new products and services, they can make a significant contribution to economic development while generating social and environmental benefits. However, to survive and then thrive,...

This technical guidance note lays out the requirements for presenting, auditing, submitting, and publicly disclosing financial reports for sovereign operations financed by ADB in Asia and the Pacific region. It highlights why robust financial reporting, auditing, management, and monitoring of sovereign operations funded or administered by ADB is essential to ensure they comply with its mandate. Stressing the importance of strong borrower governance, it emphasizes how timely reporting and auditing contributes to ADB's broader objectives of poverty reduction, inclusive growth, environmental...

This report lays out key governance challenges in the management of fiscal risks and contingent liabilities in Asia and the Pacific region from public investments in public-private partnerships and state-owned enterprises. It explains how investments in quality infrastructure can tackle issues around overall infrastructure investment gaps, tight fiscal spaces, and rising debt. Designed as a practical resource to help guide decision-makers, the report highlights why prioritizing the efficiency of infrastructure investments can ensure they deliver maximum economic benefits at the lowest cost.

This guidance note explains how policymakers and practitioners can more effectively integrate children with disabilities into mainstream education and give them the individualized support they need. COVID-19 has exacerbated the situation for marginalized children with disabilities who make up around 5% of the global child population but encompass over half of those excluded from schools. Drawing on case studies from the Kyrgyz Republic, the Marshall Islands, and Nepal, this publication shows how adopting a holistic stance and building multistakeholder partnerships can help ensure children...

This publication explores how Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines can bolster cooperation in their special economic zones (SEZ) to spur sustainable growth. It maps out and assesses the economic performance of SEZs across the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area and highlights challenges they face. These challenges include growing competition for foreign investment, international trade disputes, and digital transformation. The publication emphasizes the need for policy makers and stakeholders to intensify strategic collaboration to...