Infrastructure Key to Unlocking Pan-Asian Integration
South Asia-Southeast Asia integration is no longer a pipe dream and with national and regional policy attention, it can become a reality.
Will Asian Investment Follow Trade with Latin America?
Latin America is now firmly on the economic radar of Asia in the post-global financial crisis world, with both regions having grown faster than the world economy.
Will We See an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015?
Launched as a political bloc and security pact in the aftermath of the Viet Nam War, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has evolved to embrace an ambitious economic agenda. Its latest project is to establish the ASEAN Economic Community by 31 December 2015. But is this likely?
Fast-Tracking Myanmar's Reform
Over just 3 years, Myanmar has introduced ambitious reforms which have put it on track to become a modern economy. But big challenges still lie ahead.
Pushing the Boundaries for Women
Fifteen years ago I was working for a nongovernment organization (NGO) in Bangladesh documenting stories of training and economic empowerment of communities. A common recurring theme in virtually all the communities was the gender stereotyping in skills training programs.
Unlocking Myanmar’s Potential
Economic and political transition is never an easy process for any country and it will be no different for Asia’s fast awakening tiger, Myanmar.
Four Things International Youth Day Summit Taught Us About Social Media
In recent years, the rise of social media has been ceaseless and rapid. It has managed to create a universe of its own—one that often leaves governments, organizations, and corporations alike continuously striving to keep up.
Why Partnering with the Private Sector is Key to Inclusive Growth
Over the past couple of decades, no one can deny that the Asia and Pacific region has represented a remarkable success story. Absolute poverty levels have fallen significantly and the region is on course to achieve a number of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
To Invest, or Not to Invest? That is the Problem in Myanmar
Myanmar opened a new chapter in its history in November 2010 when it adopted its open-economy policy. Since then, an impressive array of reforms have been implemented. However, Myanmar’s sustainable and inclusive growth depends on it maintaining this momentum during its transition —particularly inflows of foreign direct investment.
Solving the Regional and Global Trade Jigsaw Puzzles
The rise of mega-regionals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) suggest that the world trade system is fragmenting to appear more like a jigsaw puzzle than a spaghetti bowl. How do we resolve the growing mess?