COVID-19 | BIMP-EAGA

Renewed COVID-19 Outbreaks Slow Recovery in Developing Asia

July 21, 2021

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) lowered its growth outlook for the region this year, including for Southeast Asia. Developing Asia is projected to grow by 7.2% instead of 7.3% in 2021 as renewed COVID-19 outbreaks slowed economic recovery. The growth outlook for 2022 is upgraded to 5.4% from 5.3%.

Southeast Asia Faces GDP Loss of 8.4% in 2021 as COVID-19 Roils Tourism

July 15, 2021

Countries urged to restore travelers' confidence, mitigate socioeconomic impacts on livelihoods, and prepare for the long term.

North Luzon Expressway Rehabilitation and Expansion Project in the Philippines. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

How Can SDG Bonds Attract Green Infrastructure Financing?

July 06, 2021

The Asian Development Bank is proposing a new kind of bond to support a green, resilient, and inclusive recovery.

COVID-19 vaccination program in the Philippines. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Why It Is Critical to Invest in a Robust Health System

July 02, 2021

Universal health coverage and a strong primary care system can help countries protect and save more lives during a pandemic.

Construction in central Jakarta near Jalan Sudirman. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

UNCTAD Sees FDI Recovery in Southeast Asia in 2021

June 24, 2021

Key drivers of foreign investment include the transition to a digital economy, major infrastructure projects, and the RCEP trade agreement.

The ASEAN Access website is designed to help small businesses enter new markets by providing information and linking them to service providers.

ASEAN Opens Online Portal for SMEs

June 22, 2021

The ASEAN Access portal helps small and medium-sized enterprises explore market opportunities within and outside Southeast Asia.

Rainforest World Music Festival. Photo credit: Sarawak Tourism Board.

Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival 2021 Goes Virtual

June 16, 2021

The virtual festival will be a retrospective of past performances and pre-recorded sessions with homegrown acts.

A startup should be nimble and be able to pivot when needed. Photo credit: iStock/ismagilov

3 Essential Tips on Starting a Business during a Pandemic

June 15, 2021

Solve pain points, pivot, and prepare to fail, advised up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

Selamat Datang Monument during Jakarta Car-Free Day. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

How Land Value Capture Can Help Finance Cities

June 14, 2021

Value capture financing taps into increases in property values, among other benefits, resulting from infrastructure investments.

Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

ASEAN, EU Conclude Open Skies Deal

June 10, 2021

Negotiations for the world’s first bloc-to-bloc air transport agreement were completed last week between ASEAN and the European Union.