A multitude of statistics underscore the challenges that the people of Myanmar face when it comes to access to electricity - many of these illustrating a lack of conveniences other parts of the world consider commonplace, ranging from water pumps to stovetop ranges.
Any contemporary story on development in Asia-Pacific begins with reflection on massive gains achieved in the fight against poverty. The incidence of people living on less than $1.25 a day fell from 54.5% in 1990 to 20.7% in 2010, with the number of extreme poor declining from 1.48 billion to 733 million. This precipitous decline in poverty incidence has been accompanied by tremendous gains in access to health and education.
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.
To ensure ongoing economic growth in Asia and for the poorest to have a chance to benefit from the region’s growing prosperity, we must prioritize bringing financial services readily and cheaply to the “unbanked”.
We need to make the best possible use of all financial instruments in our national and regional tool boxes so SMEs in Asia can continue driving national economies, providing jobs, and becoming globally competitive.
Vice President Stephen P. Groff describes the devastation wrought by Cyclone Winston, and discusses what ADB is doing to help Fiji recover.
International financial institutions must recalibrate their strategies for maximum impact in the post-2015 era.
Vice President Stephen P. Groff explains how the rehabilitation of Tarawa's most important road will benefit all in this remote South Pacific nation.
ADB’s new Country Partnership Strategy in Myanmar will focus on connectivity, human capital, and structural reforms.
Developing Asia urgently needs further investments in infrastructure to sustain growth and improve social equity.
