Publications List

Comprehensive listing of books, reports, and research on regional cooperation and integration (RCI) in South Asia and relevant global RCI publications, including publications on transport, trade facilitation, energy, and economic corridors in the SASEC region.

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Bordering on Happiness: An Assessment of Socio-Economic Impacts of Bangladesh-India Border Haats

This study on the border "haats" (market) between Bangladesh and India sought to understand and examine their impact on poverty alleviation. It considers different stakeholders, including vendors, vendees, transporters, laborers, officials, opinion leaders, villagers and residents on both sides of the border, from the four operational border haats between the two countries. It also compares the different trade performances of the four haats and discusses opportunities in each. Participation rate is also tackled, where the impact of transportation options or lack thereof on the regularity of attendance is discussed. The study has found that areas with border haats have formalized many informal trade. These have generated income and employment, benefiting local people positively and improving standards of living. They have also enhanced trade opportunities by offering vendors access to new markets, as well as a source of products they can resell in their own countries. Furthermore, border haats have promoted improved cross-border relations and security, and people-to-people connectivity. The study recommends further policy improvements to border haats, such as encouraging more women participation and upgrading common infrastructure that makes people-to-people connectivity more conducive.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: Border Haats, India, Bangladesh

Strengthening Cross-Border Value Chains: Opportunities for India and Bangladesh

Infrastructure development in India and connectivity agreements with Bangladesh help unlock the economic potential of India’s northeast region. This report analyzes value chains of fruits and vegetables, spices, bamboo and related products, and medical tourism, and identifies how Bangladesh can benefit from northeast India’s increasing connectivity and growth prospects.

Author: Kathuria, Sanjay and Mathu, Priya (editors)

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade Facilitation

Accelerating Regional Cooperation and Integration in Asia and the Pacific: 2017 Conference Highlights

Regional cooperation and integration (RCI) plays a critical role in accelerating economic growth, reducing poverty and economic disparity, and raising productivity and employment. This conference report looks at challenges for accelerating RCI in Asia and the Pacific, with a focus on economic corridors and emerging RCI initiatives. It underscores the importance of gateway ports to multimodal transport, such as the Port of Chittagong in Bangladesh under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program. The report also maintains that RCI technical secretariats, such as that for the SASEC partnership, are vital to fostering RCI across Asia and the Pacific.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, Economic Corridor Development, Regional Cooperation, Trade, Transport, SASEC

Infrastructure Financing in Asia

This book discusses how private financing can help address Asia’s infrastructure investment needs. In South Asia, public spending and public-private partnerships (PPP) may be leveraged for large infrastructure needs. Challenges that arise from each source of infrastructure financing—such as the long-term nature of PPP contracts—need to be addressed.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, South Asia

Review of Maritime Transport 2019

According to this report, total volume of global maritime trade reached an all-time high of 11 billion tons in 2018. However, growth was at 2.7%, below previous averages. In South Asia, the 10 most connected ports are in Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan. Among which, the most connected port is Colombo in Sri Lanka, which serves as a transshipment hub for the region. The Mundra port in India saw the largest increase in the liner shipping connectivity index. Chittagong in Bangladesh is the world’s 14th most connected port, while Male in Maldives is 18th.

Author: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Year: 2019

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Tags: South Asia, Sri Lanka, Ports, Trade

Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2019: Navigating Non-tariff Measures towards Sustainable Development

This edition of the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report looks at the impact of recent trends in trade on achieving sustainable development. The report includes a discussion of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures that affect Nepal exports to its South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) partners. According to a diagnostic study, policymakers should analyze SPS measures in regional trade agreements to help them formulate policy reforms for streamlining non-tariff measures.

Author: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Year: 2019

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Tags: Nepal, UNCTAD, Sustainable Development Goals, Free Trade Agreements, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Non-Tariff Measures

Achieving Energy Security in Asia: Diversification, Integration and Policy Implications

This publication reviews the status of energy security in Asia. In South Asia, countries face challenges in achieving energy security and climate goals. India and Bangladesh, for instance, face rising energy import bills while Maldives depends on oil products. The book suggests that countries and regions can achieve energy security through energy cooperation and diversification. This would lead to economic growth and poverty reduction, as well as mitigate energy security risks from climate change.

Author: Asian Development Bank Institute and World Scientific

Year: 2019

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Tags: WB, India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Energy, Climate Change

Doing Business 2020

From May 2018 to May 2019, 294 regulatory reforms were implemented worldwide to make it easier to do business. India was among the countries that showed the most notable improvement in doing business during the period. South Asia had the highest share of economies that implemented cross-border cooperation reform, which ensures easy customs clearance procedures, harmonization of compliance rules, and border control efficiency. For example, Nepal opened a new integrated check post with India, thereby decreasing the time to import and export.

Author: World Bank Group

Year: 2019

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Tags: WB, Ease of Doing Business, Customs, South Asia, Harmonisation

Implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement: From Global Impacts to Value Chains

This paper measures the potential impacts of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). It suggests that full implementation of the TFA could strengthen global trade by $344 billion. Implementation could also help develop global value chains and would promote a shift of production from final goods to intermediate goods in developing countries. Developing economies should implement the TFA as much as possible to benefit from increased trade and real output.

Author: Utsav Kumar and Ben Shepherd

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, Global Value Chains, Regional Cooperation, Trade Facilitation, ADB RCI

Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019 Supplement, December: Growth Slows Further in Developing Asia’s Giants

Developing Asia's gross domestic product is projected to grow by 5.2% both in 2019 and 2020 as a slowing of global economic activity tempers regional growth, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019 Supplement. In South Asia, growth forecasts have been lowered to 6.1% in 2020. Strong remittances in Bangladesh will raise domestic demand, while in Bhutan, hydropower production rose to 3.1% in Q1 of FY2020 (ending 30 June 2020). Growth in India is expected to recover to 6.5% in 2020 with government policy measures, such as a corporate tax cutt and policy rate reduction. In Maldives, tourism remains strong. Foreign direct investments surged in Nepal while a recovery in economic activity is projected in Sri Lanka.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, South Asia, Hydropower, Tourism, Investment, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka

World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, October 2019: Weathering Growing Risks

Amid weakening global demand and policy uncertainty regarding trade tensions, growth in developing East Asia and Pacific region slowed in the first half of 2019. There is a need to address vulnerabilities and preserve economic dynamism in developing economies in the region. In Myanmar, GDP growth will reach 6.8% in 2021/2022 with the projected pick-up in agriculture. Policy measures to encourage investment, such as those for the energy sector, are expected to strengthen Myanmar’s manufacturing and construction sectors.

Author: World Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: Energy, Investment, Myanmar, WB

Integrated Check-Posts on the India-Bangladesh Border: a Field Survey and Brief Analysis

Integrated Check-Posts (ICPs) are designed to be one-stop solutions that house all regulatory agencies, including immigration, customs, and border security. India is in the process of establishing ICPs to efficiently manage crossings along its land borders. The country has identified 20 checkpoints for development as ICPs, including 10 that are on the India–Bangladesh border. This report studies the impact of the ICPs on activities along the India-Bangladesh border and suggests ways to improve efficiency of ICPs.

Author: Joyeeta Bhattacharjee

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, Customs, Trade Facilitation, India

Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific 2019

This report presents the latest economic, financial, social, and environmental statistics, and includes sustainable development goals indicators, for the 49 regional members of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Remittances have been a stable source of revenue for Asia and the Pacific, with India being the top recipient of remittances globally at $78.6 billion in 2018. In 2017, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region rose to $541.9 billion, although FDI flows have been more volatile compared to remittance flows. This report uses domestic value-added via forward linkages (DVA_F) to discuss the evolution of global value chains in Asia. In 2018, almost a third of the DVA_F generated in Asia stayed within the region, representing 39.0% of the total domestic value-added sent to the region. It shows the importance of intraregional trade for Asia, as Asia's trade connection to North America is weakening.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, India, South Asia, Sustainable Development Goals, Trade

International Rules and e-Commerce: Trade Insight, Vol. 15 No. 1–2, 2019

Trade Insight is published by the South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment. This issue includes discussions on various aspects of e-commerce, such as cryptocurrencies, integration of small and medium enterprises, and competition and regulation. Its editorial argues that South Asia should take an active part in drafting global rules on e-commerce. The issue also includes features on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation investment agreement, Connectivity 2.0 for the South Asia Economic Union, the use of inland waterways, and the electronic cargo tracking system.

Author: South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment

Year: 2019

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Tags: Electronic Cargo Tracking System, SAARC, Trade, Transport

Bountiful Bangladesh: An Ocean of Opportunities

This special publication by the Bangladesh High Commission, New Delhi, India, celebrates India-Bangladesh relations. A chapter on regional cooperation discusses how prosperity is promoted in the region through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC). Progress in regional cooperation builds on the momentum generated in the last 18 years through SASEC. Economic performance has been impressive and South Asia is forecast to become the fastest growing subregion in Asia.

Author: Bangladesh High Commission, New Delhi, India

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, India, SASEC, Regional Cooperation

Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Report 2019: Bridging Trade Finance Gaps through Technology

This report reviews the progress of trade facilitation in Asia and the Pacific. It looks at recent trends in paperless trade and transit facilitation and the impact of trade facilitation initiatives on trade costs. The Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation shows significant progress toward streamlining trade procedures in the Asia and the Pacific. In South Asia, the average implementation rate of trade facilitation procedures in 2019 is at 55.4%. The report features a special chapter on how trade finance gaps—especially prevalent for small and medium-sized enterprises—can be bridged by technology.

Author: Asian Development Bank and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Year: 2019

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Tags: Small and Medium Enterprise, South Asia, Trade Facilitation

South Asia: Shifting Outlook Calls For Steadfast Reforms

Growth in South Asia is projected to rise to 7.0% in 2020. To create more and better jobs, the region needs to further strengthen reforms. Growth in Bangladesh is expected to remain strong at around 8.0% in fiscal year (FY) 2019, led by private consumption and investment. In Bhutan, economic activity will pick up to around 6.0% in FY2020, supported by private consumption. In India, gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 6.8% in FY2018/2019. Economic activity in Nepal remains robust as FY2018/2019 growth reached 7.1%. In Maldives, growth has been supported by increasing tourist arrivals. Economic activity in Sri Lanka is projected to recover as the tourism sector stabilizes.

Author: International Monetary Fund

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Investment, Jobs, Tourism

Borders without Barriers: Facilitating Trade in SASEC Countries

Borders without Barriers presents an analysis of the state of trade facilitation in member countries of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program. The book includes an analysis of the state of trade facilitation in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, as well as in Maldives and Myanmar. It identifies trade facilitation priorities in SASEC countries: implementation of trade facilitation agreements and other conventions; logistics and infrastructure development and regulatory reforms; coordinated border management; and institutions and capacity development.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, SASEC, Trade Facilitation Agreement, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, ADB RCI

Infrastructure Financing for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific

This book proposes adopting a more holistic approach to help accelerate infrastructure development in Asia and the Pacific. It discuses project financing for Nepal’s cross-border dry ports, streamlining Nepal’s trade and transit procedures through Automated Systems for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) and Advanced Cargo Information System (ACIS), and project financing by the Asian Development Bank of the Kakarbhitta dry port and a cross-country corridor project between Bangladesh and India. Financing and technical assistance from multilateral development banks and neighboring countries not only bridge funding gaps, these also help countries learn from funders’ experience constructing and operating infrastructure assets.

Author: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Year: 2019

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Tags: Infrastructure, Nepal, Sustainable Development Goals, UNESCAP

Asia and Pacific Regional Economic Outlook: Caught in Prolonged Uncertainty

This Regional Economic Outlook includes a study that investigates how to further strengthen economic growth in South Asia, which contributes more than 15% to global growth. South Asia expects 150 million new labor market entrants by 2030. The region needs a job-rich growth strategy to harness the demographic dividend and increase potential growth. It also needs to strengthen agricultural productivity, advance sustainable expansion of manufacturing, and promote higher-skilled services.

Author: International Monetary Fund

Year: 2019

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Tags: Trade Policy, Regional Integration, Asia-Pacific, Bangladesh, Economics, India, Sri Lanka

Reviving Riverine Livelihoods through Short Haul Trade and Tourism

This policy brief lays out challenges and presents recommendations for promoting tourism and cross-border trade through inland waterways in the Meghna Basin. Promoting trade would require infrastructure development and regulations. There will also be a need for dredging at shallow areas to allow for navigability and maintain market linkages between Bangladesh and India.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade, Transport

Bridging the East: Trade and Transport Connectivity in the Bay of Bengal Region

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement aims to reap the trade and economic potentials of the countries of South Asia. This study identifies hurdles to the successful implementation of the agreement through evidence-based advocacy and dialogue. The study highlights issues related to infrastructure, political economy, gender, and livelihood.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: Trade, Transport, BBIN, BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal

Asian Economic Integration Report 2019/2020: Demographic Change, Productivity, and the Role of Technology

This report reviews economic cooperation and integration in Asia and the Pacific. It reports that in 2018, the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) focused on reducing gaps in multimodal connectivity among its member countries. By the end of 2018, 52 ADB-financed projects worth $11.36 billion had been committed to SASEC projects, with an additional $106.44 million in 81 technical assistance grants. SASEC nodal officials and working groups met in Singapore in March 2018 to update the SASEC operational plan. The operational plan identified 77 projects ($45.6 billion) to be financed by SASEC members, ADB, and development partners. A holistic approach under the operational plan will build transport links with Southeast Asia and East Asia and expand regional trade markets.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, Regional Cooperation, SASEC, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka

Maritime Cooperation in SASEC: South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation

Most South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) countries rely on maritime transport for international trade. Stronger maritime relations are crucial to achieve the economic growth potential for the subregion. This report looks at how countries can strengthen international trade by improving maritime cooperation among the SASEC countries, comprised of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It gives an overview of the SASEC maritime sector and identifies collaboration initiatives that could address key challenges.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: Transport, Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, ADB RCI

Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019 Update: Fostering Growth and Inclusion in Asia's Cities

Growth in developing Asia remains strong despite the slowing down of international trade and a weakening of investments. In South Asia, growth momentum has slowed, with growth forecasts lowered to 6.2% for 2019 and retained at 6.7% for 2020. Growth in India has softened but is expected to bounce back to 7.2% in 2020. Bangladesh and Nepal performed better than projected. Bhutan’s growth slowed to 5.3% in fiscal year (FY) 2019 due to a decline in hydroelectric generation. Growth projection for FY2020 is retained at 6.0%. In Sri Lanka, growth forecast has been lowered for 2019 and 2020. Forecasts for Maldives is retained as tourist arrivals increased in the first half of 2019. In Southeast Asia, growth projections for Myanmar has been retained.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: Hydropower, ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka

Services for Trade Competitiveness: Country and Regional Assessments of Services Trade

This book applies methodologies for assessing competitiveness of countries’ services sector. It examines the types of barriers to services in the regulatory environment and identifies the policy implications. It aims to guide policymakers in the area of services in international trade. The chapter on diversifying Nepal’s economy assesses the country’s trade potential in services. Using the Services Trade Competitiveness Diagnostic toolkit, it identifies policy measures that can help Nepal identify strategies for greater integration in the global marketplace.

Author: Claire Hollweg and Sebastian Saez, eds.

Year: 2019

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Tags: Energy, Nepal, Services, Trade, WB

ASYCUDA Programme: Compendium of Case Studies 2019

Through customs automation and reform projects, the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and production of trade-related statistics. This compendium includes details of achievements and benefits reported by countries—including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka—after implementing ASYCUDA systems. The information suggests ASYCUDA is not just a technical assistance program but also a development program.

Author: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Year: 2019

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Tags: Sustainable Development Goals, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Trade

Global Economic Prospects, June 2019

South Asia enjoyed solid economic activity in 2018 with gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 7% owing to strong domestic demand. Risks to the outlook include possible re-escalation of political uncertainties, financial sector weaknesses due to nonperforming assets, and fiscal challenges amid elections in several countries.

Author: World Bank Group

Year: 2019

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Tags: WB, South Asia, Trade

World Investment Report 2019

This report monitors global and regional foreign direct investment trends and national and international investment policy developments. Foreign direct investments (FDI) in South Asia grew by 4% in 2018 to $54 billion, with India accounting for $42 billion. International cooperation in the development of special economic zones (SEZs) has been increasing. In developing countries, many SEZs are built through bilateral partnerships or as part of development cooperation programs. In South Asia, the number of SEZs is set to increase substantially. India has 200 new zones in the pipeline, while Bangladesh has 60, and Nepal 12.

Author: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, FDI, Investment, South Asia, UNCTAD

Potential Exports and Nontariff Barriers to Trade: Nepal National Study

This report highlights sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade and identifies Nepal products with the potential to gain market share in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. It also examines how nontariff barriers to trade can be overcome by upgrading quality standards and laboratory equipment and strengthening accrediting and assessment bodies.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: Nepal, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Non-Tariff Measures, ADB RCI

Basic Statistics 2019

Basic Statistics presents select economic, environmental, and social indicators used to track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. It includes indicators for development indicators for 46 economies in the Asia and Pacific region, including those for the seven SASEC countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade, Sustainable Development Goals, Energy

Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2019: Ambitions beyond Growth

The Asia-Pacific region needs an estimated $1.5 trillion per year to end poverty and hunger, provide basic health care, quality education, enabling infrastructure, and clean energy for all, and for climate action and living in harmony with nature. Available public and private resources make these ambitions affordable for most countries in the region. However, development partnerships and regional cooperation are needed for all countries to achieve these “ambitions beyond growth.”

Author: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

Year: 2019

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Tags: Sustainable Development Goals, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Trade, Energy

Internationalisation of Micro and Small Enterprises through E-Commerce: Assessing the Impact of De Minimis

This report identifies the challenges faced by micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in India, Kenya, and Viet Nam in adopting e-commerce platforms for selling in domestic and international markets. De minimis refers to the minimum value of goods, below which no duties and taxes are collected and streamlined border clearance is provided. This report finds that expanding the scope of de minimis to cover local taxes along with customs duties would maximize benefits for MSEs by addressing constraints MSEs face in trading across borders.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: India, Trade, Small and Medium Enterprise

Asian Development Outlook 2019 Supplement: Outlook Steady Even as Trade Tensions Persist

South Asia continues to be the fastest growing subregion. Growth outlook for the subregion is forecast to remain robust, with growth projected at 6.6% in 2019 and 6.7% in 2020. India is projected to grow by 7.0% in 2019 and 7.2% in 2020. Bangladesh growth accelerated to 8.1% in FY2019 with faster growth in industry and services. GDP growth in Sri Lanka and Nepal surpassed Asian Development Outlook 2019 (ADO 2019) forecasts, according to preliminary official estimates. Tourism performed well in Bhutan and Maldives on rising arrivals and revenue.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, South Asia, Trade, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tourism

For the Greater Common Good: Addressing Infrastructural Inadequacies in India for Improved Regional Connectivity

Both soft and hard infrastructure are needed to successfully implement the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement (BBIN MVA) and other connectivity initiatives. This field survey report identifies infrastructural gaps in India and suggests possible remedies to help improve flow of goods among the BBIN economies.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, Trade Facilitation

The Good Earth: Landlocked Bhutan Identifies Infrastructural Obstacles to Improved Regional Connectivity

Developing Bhutan’s road connectivity and infrastructure could help the country take full advantage of its economic potential. According to this policy brief, optimizing Bhutan’s infrastructure would improve people’s livelihood and reduce poverty. This brief outlines issues related to physical infrastructure and offers suggestions to hurdle development obstacles.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bhutan, Regional Connectivity, Transport

Connecting Corridors beyond Borders: Enabling Seamless Connectivity in the BBIN Subregion

Trade connectivity is expected to bring economic growth and prosperity and reduce poverty in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN). It will strengthen the economies of landlocked Bhutan and Nepal and give BBIN countries greater access to global markets for exports and imports. The Motor Vehicles Agreement will promote containerization of multimodal cargo movement, which will help reduce trade costs. This study identifies eight trade corridors in the BBIN countries and provides details on existing infrastructure, time-cost-distance analysis, and projected sociopolitical impact.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: BBIN, BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal

Impact Evaluation of Energy Interventions: A Review of the Evidence

Impact evaluations in the energy sector has so far focused on rural electrification and improved cookstoves. However, most investments have been in power generation and transmission. This energy sector impact evaluation report assesses what has been produced against what might be possible. It summarizes outcomes of 85 impact evaluations of energy interventions in developing countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. It looks at evidence gaps and proposes future directions for impact evaluations in the energy sector.

Author: David A. Raitzer, Nina Blöndal, and Jasmin Sibal

Year: 2019

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Tags: Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India

2018 Development Effectiveness Review

This report looks at the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) performance in achieving the goals set out in ADB’s Strategy 2020. In its South Asia operations, ADB supported the linking of countries through transport connectivity. ADB has committed $180 million to rehabilitate the Kanchanpur–Kamala section of the East–West Highway in Nepal to promote safety and transport connectivity. It is also committed to a $150 million project through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Investment Program to upgrade a section of the Asian Highway connecting Manipur, India, to Myanmar and construct an international bridge between India and Nepal.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, India, Jobs, Myanmar, Nepal, SASEC, Transport, Road

Impact Evaluation of Transport Interventions: A Review of the Evidence

Development of transport is integral to the development of economic corridors, regional economic integration, and trade. This publication reviews the impact of 91 transport interventions in developing countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. It summarizes the project outcomes, identifies evidence gaps, and presents proposals for future directions.

Author: David A. Raitzer, Nina Blöndal, and Jasmin Sibal

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, Regional Connectivity, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Rail, Road, Transport

Renewable Capacity Statistics 2019

This report provides renewable energy statistics for 2009–2018. It includes figures on total renewable energy capacity installed and connected by energy source (hydropower, wind energy, solar energy, etc.). It gives figures for capacity per region and per country, including those for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Author: International Renewable Energy Agency

Year: 2019

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Tags: Renewable Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal

A Bridge Across for Ever: Bridging Infrastructural Gaps in Bangladesh for Improved Regional Connectivity

The Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement aims to strengthen connectivity and economic cooperation among the BBIN countries. It could create jobs and increase trade in South Asia and could lead to lower prices for consumers. This policy brief looks at transport corridors and identifies infrastructure gaps that need to be bridged to improve the flow of goods to and from Bangladesh.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, BBIN, BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, Regional Connectivity, Transport

Exports to Jobs: Boosting the Gains from Trade in South Asia

South Asia’s economy has grown while significantly reducing poverty. Yet concerns persist regarding growing joblessness and poor job quality. This report shows how increasing exports per worker could result in higher wages for skilled workers, while less-skilled and rural workers could benefit from new jobs. To spread benefits from higher exports, policies are needed to raise skills and get women and youth into better jobs.

Author: Erhan Artuc, Gladys Lopez-Acevedo, Raymond Robertson, and Daniel Samaan

Year: 2019

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Tags: South Asia, Jobs, Trade

In Search of Harmony: Strengthening Connectivity Among the BBIN Countries

This report is a part of CUTS International’s series of field surveys to understand the economic scenario and its impact on cross-border trade in the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) subregion. The report identifies procedural issues that affect trade and suggests remedial measures to help increase the speed of connectivity and create and enabling environment for the implementation of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, India, Nepal, Transport

United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Infrastructural Impediments to Better Connectivity in South Asia

The Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement (BBIN MVA) aims to integrate the region through smooth movement of passenger and commercial vehicles across the BBIN countries. This survey presents a first-hand perspective on infrastructure in the region. This paper lays out impediments to trade and suggests a way forward to create an enabling environment for the motor vehicles agreement to succeed.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2019

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Tags: Bangladesh, BBIN, Bhutan, India, Nepal, BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, Transport

ADB Annual Report 2018

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports cross-border infrastructure to help foster regional cooperation and integration. It is transforming transport corridors into economic corridors, allowing South Asian countries to participate in regional and global value chains and promote agriculture trade. In 2018, ADB committed $150 million to upgrade sections of South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) road corridors in India and Nepal. The investments aim to improve connectivity between Manipur (in India) and Myanmar; build an India–Nepal international bridge; and improve the safety of Nepal’s East–West Highway. ADB also approved a technical assistance project to build institutional capacity and improve expertise of trade facilitation officials in SASEC member countries.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: Economic Corridor Development, ADB, Energy, India, Nepal, SASEC, Trade Facilitation

Potential Exports and Nontariff Barriers to Trade: Sri Lanka National Study

How can Sri Lanka address nontariff barriers (NTBs) that hinder growth of its trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, and Nepal? The study examined the impact of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT)-related nontariff measures enforced by SASEC countries to Sri Lanka’s exports with maximum potential, conducted a national diagnostic audit of the SPS and TBT infrastructure, and identified current SPS and TBT infrastructure capacity constraints. It considered options and opportunities to deal with the identified NTBs, including recommendations to improve Sri Lanka’s SPS–TBT infrastructure, and enhancing efficiency of SPS–TBT-related processes. Findings of the study could help formulate policies, laws, and institutions to address SPS–TBT-related NTBs and promote intraregional trade, as well as provide considerations for bilateral Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Additionally, the study provides traders with a comprehensive coverage of available export opportunities in Sri Lanka, and barriers they could encounter.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: Sri Lanka, Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Non-Tariff Measures, ADB RCI

Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019: Strengthening Disaster Resilience

Developing Asia is projected to grow at 5.7% in 2019 and 5.6% in 2020. South Asia is projected to bounce back in 2019 and 2020 from the previous year’s slowdown. India’s growth is expected to pick up to 7.2% in 2019 (from 7.0% in the previous year) on recovery in agriculture and strong domestic demand. Bangladesh is projected to grow by 8.0% in 2019. Bhutan is expecting modest growth while the outlook for Maldives is for growth to moderate. Nepal should expect stable growth in 2019 while Sri Lanka is projected to recover moderately. Inflation in South Asia is projected to rise to 4.7% in 2019. Growth should pick up in Myanmar in Southeast Asia.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: ADB, South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka

Potential Exports and Nontariff Barriers to Trade: Maldives National Study

This diagnostic study aims to develop a better understanding of how sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and technical barriers to trade (TBT) in Maldives negatively affect its trade potential. Selected export products from Maldives that could be traded more within the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) subregion are identified. The impact of SPS and TBT measures applied by importing SASEC member countries on these products are studied to gather possible reasons for consistent low levels of intraregional trade within South Asia, compared to trade with other countries. General and priority recommendations are provided to address the issues.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2019

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Tags: Maldives, Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade, Non-Tariff Measures, ADB RCI

SASEC Vision – Myanmar

Myanmar serves as a land bridge between South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. This book identifies regional and subregional opportunities for Myanmar to harness natural and human resources, industrial potential, and infrastructure connectivity as part of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program. SASEC Vision – Myanmar serves to supplement the 2017 SASEC Vision document, which articulates shared aspirations of the SASEC countries and sets the path to achieve these through regional collaboration.

Author: South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Program

Year: 2019

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Tags: SASEC, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy

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