Taking Power Trading to the Next Level in South Asia
Bilateral power trading deals among SASEC countries should gradually expand. A single interconnected power market would be a clear win for the subregion.
South Asia Confronts Displacement of People by Disasters
Environmental events are uprooting people around South Asia. By taking actions now, governments can reduce the likelihood of future humanitarian crises and maximize the possibilities that people can remain in their communities or safely relocate.
Putting Derivatives to Work in Development Finance
Over-the-counter derivatives allow investors and lenders to price and structure tailor-made funding arrangements to promote long-term infrastructure finance.
Protecting the Remittance Lifeline from COVID-19’s Economic Fallout
Families throughout Asia and the Pacific rely on money sent by relatives overseas. These remittances are threatened by the pandemic but policy actions can help.
Progress Made, and More to Come on Women’s Urban Health in Bangladesh
Increased access to health care has dramatically improved maternal health in cities across Bangladesh. The progress, however, cannot yet lead to contentment.
Pension Extension: Bringing Informal Workers Into the Retirement Social Safety Net
Millions of Asia’s informal workers – such as vendors, day laborers, and others – are left out of national pension systems. Here’s what we can do to help them in their later years.
Online Job Listings Rebounded Strongly After the Pandemic
Official labor statistics take significant time to produce. In contrast, online job portals are already providing a window into labor demand in the post-pandemic job market.
Millions Are Going Hungry in Post-Pandemic Asia: Here’s How to Respond
The pandemic has increased malnutrition rates in many parts of Asia and the Pacific. Direct food assistance to the poor and programs that benefit farmers are being used to address the problem.
Microfinance Survived the Pandemic but Challenges Lie Ahead
The right actions by microfinance institutions and governments can ensure a promising outlook for microfinance in Asia this year.
Local Irrigation Management Boosts Water, Food Security in Bangladesh
A recent trip to southern Bangladesh showed that if you want to ensure water and food security, it’s also important that the right people are deciding how much water is needed, and when.