Asian Development Blog

In Central Asia, the impact of high energy costs cascades across national economies. Photo: ADB

A New Era of Clean Energy Cooperation Along the Old Silk Road

The historic spirit of cross-border trade in Central Asia is being revived in the energy sector.

Bond Markets and Borrowing: How Asia’s Developing Countries are Managing the Pandemic

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.

Jonathan Grosvenor

The vast region of Central Asia has unique challenges in dealing with COVID-19. Photo: Nazim Laghari

Central Asian Countries are Moving Forward Together to Beat COVID-19

A forward-looking, regional approach is needed for countries in Central Asia to respond to the pandemic and prepare for future public health threats.

Xinglan Hu (胡兴兰), Kirthi Ramesh, Mariya Khatiwada Savchuk

In Central Asia, major reforms are needed for the economy to survive the pandemic. Photo: Laurentiu Morariu

Countries in Central and West Asia Must Avoid a COVID-19 Race to the Bottom

Governments in Central and West Asia must commit to reforms and get them right, or face a downward spiral. The costs of the crisis are already obvious in rising deficits and debt. There is no room for complacency.

Guntur Sugiyarto, Werner E. Liepach

Many small businesses in Kazakhstan struggle to get basic financing. Photo: ADB

Empowering Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kazakhstan

Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kazakhstan need increased financing coupled with targeted, innovative solutions to continue driving the economy and creating jobs.

Pamela Bracey, Elmira Izmaganova

Central Asian economies have a brighter future with deeper involvement in global value chains. Photo: ADB

Five Keys to Expanding Central Asia’s Global Value Chains

Central Asia’s long-term economic prosperity depends upon participation in global value chains and upgrading to higher value-added activities.

Minsoo Lee

Those most in need, and those on the frontlines, rely on corruption-free development projects to battle COVID-19. Photo: ADB

Five Ways to Stop Corruption in Its Tracks

During the pandemic, corruption in projects could mean the difference between life and death for the poor and vulnerable.

H. Lorraine Wang (王惠慧), Richeline Mascarinas

In Central Asia, some state-owned enterprises own non-core assets, such as farms. Photo: ADB

For Sale—Cheap: Farms, Buildings, Cinemas, Kindergartens and More

State-owned enterprises, including power utilities, in many countries have collected a menagerie of assets unrelated to their core business. And they are selling cheap.

Rafayil Abbasov

Central Asia is home to a treasure trove of marketable fruits and vegetables but food safety must be addressed before they can be marketed globally. Photo: ADB

How Do You Like Them Apples? Central Asia Gets Ready to Help Feed the World

Central Asia is improving food safety measures to share with the world some of the more than 8000 plant species, as well as livestock, from the region.

Dorothea Lazaro, Loreli de Dios