Three Areas Where RCEP May Help the Region’s Post-Pandemic Recovery
The massive Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement is expected to go into force in 2022. It could be instrumental in helping Asian economies bounce back from the pandemic.
Think Services, Not Only Manufacturing
To offset the declining benefits of manufacturing, governments must increase the productivity of the services sector. This will boost growth and offer employment opportunities.
The Power of Retail Bonds: A Stable Funding Source for Asian Governments
Retail bonds provide stability, attract individual investors, and support financial literacy in Asia's growing bond market.
The Post-Pandemic Era Can Be a New Era for Asia's Roads, Too.
Roads in Asia and the Pacific have brought us essential supplies and services, frontline workers, food and now vaccines. It is time to revive these vital arteries to prepare for economic recovery.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Conditional Cash Transfer Program in the Philippines
The Pantawid Pamiliya is on track to achieve its objectives of promoting investments in the health and education of children while providing immediate financial support to poor families.
The Pandemic Has Pushed Women Out of Work. These Policies Can Help.
In Southeast Asia, women workers were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Urgent policy action is needed to address the issue and improve the welfare of women in other areas as well.
The Housing Unaffordability Crisis in Asia
The poor and middle class are struggling to find affordable housing across the region, but there are some basic steps cities can take to improve the situation.
The COVID-19 Dilemma: Public Health Versus the Economy
The tradeoff between lost lives during the pandemic and lost livelihoods is often viewed as an all-or-nothing choice between complete lockdown versus zero restrictions. In reality, a balance can be struck.
Taking Ownership: Better Data is Needed on Women’s Assets in Asia
Collecting sex-disaggregated data on asset ownership is an important step in achieving gender equality and empowerment of women and girls in Asia and the Pacific.
Strengthening the Chains That Helped Pull Asia Out of Poverty
The global value chains that help drive Asia’s export-driven economic miracle have widespread development impacts. We need to understand them better to maximize the benefits.