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?
Smallholder Farmers and Business
Working with smallholders is tough, but these inclusive business farmers have found ways to overcome the numerous challenges involved to create real impact.
Should the Eurozone Crisis Dissuade Asia from Integrating?
Asia should not be dissuaded by the European challenges. Yet, Asia should not rush to integrate either.
Seizing the Opportunity to Prolong Asia’s Trade Growth Momentum
Asian policy makers must take proactive steps to turn a nascent upturn into a sustained boom. Missing the opportunity will have enormous costs.
Rural Women in Tajikistan Learn New Skills, Start Earning for their Families
An ADB-financed project is helping female entrepreneurs open sewing workshops, bakeries and cattle ranches, and other business ventures.
Rising Tides of Protectionism Will Cause More Harm than Good
Beyond political rhetoric, the question is whether the current trend is indeed ominous of growing protectionism on the horizon.
Reversing the Structural Regression in Malaysia Manufacturing
If Malaysia truly wants to reach high-income countries, it must first arrest and then reverse its structural regression, and improve the business environment to revive private investment in manufacturing.
RCEP is a Gargantuan Trade Deal But Will Economies be Able to Make the Most of It?
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership brings 15 nations and 2.2 billion people into a trade partnership. It also offers broad economic and societal benefits that go beyond imports and exports.
RCEP - A Life Raft for Trade Liberalization in Asia
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership offers hope in in an ocean of trade policy pessimism.
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.