Industry and trade

ADB seal outside ADB headquarters in Manila.

The Unique Role of Development Banks in Inclusive Business

Development finance institutions can support inclusive business, but mainly as brokers to build an enabling environment for companies that want to provide profitable, long-term solutions to serve the needs of the poor.

Caroline Ashley

Cross-border logistics and customs are tough challenges for many SMEs in CAREC.

Time for SMEs in CAREC to Move Beyond Borders

Cross-border development is crucial for SMEs to realize their potential as drivers of growth and job creation in Central Asia.

Ayumi Konishi

PRC trucks waiting to clear customs at the Mongolian border.

Time to Go Back to the Basics to Benefit More from Trade

200 years after David Ricardo, the philosophical ground of comparative advantage and gains from trade still remains strong.

Jong Woo Kang

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.

Kiyoshi Taniguchi

TPP and RCEP – Friends Not Foes

TPP and RCEP are not perfect, but they can unlock Asian trade liberalization and growth. Supporting open accession, an eventual Asia-Pacific FTA and complementary national policies will help achieve this end.

Ganeshan Wignaraja

Production line at a rice cracker factory in Viet Nam.

TPP No Inspiration for Doha Negotiations

Even if their agendas seem alike, neither the content of the Trans-Pacific Partnership nor the process of the talks can provide a positive stimulus for the Doha Development Agenda trade negotiations.

Matthias Helble