Countries with better information and communication technology, particularly internet access, were able to do more activities online during the pandemic, which cushioned the adverse effect of COVID-19 on economic activity.
The pandemic has worsened inequality on many fronts. Pro-active macroeconomic policy combined with labor retraining programs and increased social protection are needed.
To cope with the pandemic, Asia’s poor are missing meals and selling their assets. Governments need to target policies toward the most vulnerable in order to stave off long-term damaging impacts.
The pandemic has shown central bankers and public debt managers that innovation and creativity are needed to maintain borrowing opportunities and keep local currency bond markets functioning.
Decreased tax revenues and increases in public spending due to COVID-19 make it imperative for developing Asian countries to mobilize private capital for the vast investments needed to achieve the SDGs.
The pandemic threatens to reverse recent progress on gender equality. Making women central to pandemic recovery efforts will help the region to build back better. Here are answers to some of the key questions.
How wisely governments cope with current and long-term economic challenges caused by COVID-19 will be an important defining factor for the prosperity of our and future generations.
As vaccines are rolled out across Asia and the Pacific, governments need to ensure equitable and transparent distribution. They also need to undertake deep healthcare reforms to manage future health crises. ADB's top health expert answers the pertinent questions.
These charts illustrate how Asian and global stock markets reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic, with market reaction closely following local outbreaks and then moving in unison with global markets amid other shocks.
These charts illustrate how Sri Lanka’s elderly population is increasing while the number of working-age people to help support them is declining. Forward-thinking policies are needed to address the challenges arising from this imbalance.
Our research indicates that the global economy could lose more than $100 billion in remittances. Governments need to act fast to protect the most vulnerable in society from this loss of vital income.
Migration in the Asia-Pacific region is diverse and enduring. It cannot be handled by one country alone. Regional cooperation is needed.
Here’s why the perception that skilled migration damages the source country is wrong.
