 December 2023Mr. Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Nepal Minister for Energy, inaugurated the Kushma-Butwal power transmission line along the Kaligandaki corridor. The 90-kilometer, 220-kilovolt transmission line is expected to facilitate stable power supply for the districts of Nawalparasi and Rupandehi in Nepal. It was funded by an investment from the Government of Nepal, the Nepal Electric Authority, and the Asian Development Bank through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, ADB, SASEC |
 November 2023The Government of Bangladesh and ADB signed an agreement for the SASEC Dhaka-Northwest Corridor Road Project, Phase 2,Tranche 3. Tranche 3 is worth around $300 million and is set to be completed by June 2026. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, ADB, Transport |
 November 2023The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $336.5 million loan financing under the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX) to establish vaccine, therapeutic, and diagnostic (VTD) manufacturing capacity and strengthen VTD regulatory capacity in Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Health, ADB |
 November 2023Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the SASEC Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Railway Project on 11 November 2023. The 102-kilometer dual-gauge, single-line railway incorporates climate-resilient and biodiversity-friendly features and connects the southernmost part of Bangladesh with the rest of the country. The railway project is supported by the Asian Development Bank and is part of the trans-Asia railway network. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, ADB, Rail, Transport |
 October 2023The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of West Bengal, India, are undertaking a study for the development of economic corridors across the nodes of Andal-Panagarh, Kharagapur-Goaltore-Salboni and growth centers including Siliguri, Dankuni, and Kalyani with urban-industrial logistics-skills-energy-social sector convergence. Read More Tags: India, Economic corridor, ADB |
 August 2023The Asian Development Bank (ADB) study on Bangladesh Economic Corridor Development assesses the economic potential of the northeast and southwest Bangladesh regions to propose the holistic development of the country to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. Read More Tags: Economic corridor, ADB, Bangladesh |
 May 2023ADB approved a project loan to support upgrading work on the East–West Highway, which is part of the SASEC corridor. According to Ms. Sin Wai Chong, Transport Specialist for South Asia, ADB, the project will strengthen border trade and logistics, and will improve the lives of rural communities. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Bangladesh, SASEC, Road, ADB, South Asia |
 May 2023Mr. Shixin Chen, Vice-President for South Asia and Central and West Asia at ADB, spoke at the SASEC knowledge event entitled "Green, Efficient, and Resilient Logistics for Sustainable Growth," which was attended by policymakers from SASEC countries. Read More Tags: South Asia, ADB, SASEC, Logistics |
 April 2023The SASEC Highway Improvement Project was recognized for excellence in project management, gender and social inclusion, and environmental and social safeguards monitoring alongside other ADB projects by the Government of Nepal. Also awarded were Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project-Additional Financing, Rural Enterprise Financing Project, and Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement. Read More Tags: SASEC, Nepal, ADB, Road, South Asia, Energy |
 April 2023Watch the video about how the Subregional Transport Enhancement Project creates economic opportunities to help provide access to social services. The project, committed in 2011, has expanded roads and gave rural communities access to one of Nepal's major trade corridors. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Road, SASEC, South Asia |
 March 2023Road development is fundamental to boosting economic activity in Nepal and is a key element for strengthening growth and social inclusion. This case study undertaken by ADB looks at the Subregional Transport Enhancement Project and how it is improving access to goods and services, facilitating trade and cooperation, creating opportunities for small business owners, and empowering women in rural communities. Read More Tags: Road Transport, Nepal, ADB, Trade |
March 2023 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) submitted a feasibility study on the North East Economic Corridor. Features of the report include emphasis on development of transport, urban, and energy infrastructures, as enablers for equitable economic development for India's northeastern region. Read More Tags: ADB, India, Economic corridor |
 February 2023Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa, ADB President, conveyed to India Prime Minister Narendra Modi ADB's intention to scale up assistance to the country over the next five years to support India in meeting its priority development needs. He noted that ADB is willing to provide $20 billion–$25 billion in resources to further India's aspirations for fast, inclusive, and green growth. Read More Tags: ADB, India |
 January 2023The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, will receive a loan to expand the terminal’s container handling capacity and attract vessels operating on important international shipping lanes. The Nhava Sheva Container Terminal Financing Project, signed by the ADB and Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal Private Limited, is a $131 million financing package. Read More Tags: ADB, India, Shipping, Ports, Transport |
 October 2022The Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department signed a contract for road expansion work under the SASEC Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Development Project. The contracted work will expand the 35-kilometer section of the national highway between Narayanganj and Narsingdi districts from two to six lanes to ease traffic. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, SASEC, Economic Corridor Development |
 September 2022A $10 million grant from the Asian Development Bank’s Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility will help Maldives scale up the continuity of its vaccination program, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The grant, Maldives: Responsive COVID-19 Vaccination for Recovery Project, under the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility, was committed on 27 September 2022 Read More Tags: ADB, Maldives, Health, COVID-19 |
 September 2022The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is set to strengthen its partnership with India and support development priorities for inclusive growth, according ADB Vice-President Shixin Chen. Mr. Chen affirmed ADB's support to the government's post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts. ADB incorporates gender equality into the design of ADB-funded projects and enhances regional cooperation through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation platform, said Mr. Chen. Read More Tags: ADB, Renewable Energy, SASEC, India, Road, Transport |
 August 2022Bangladesh Railways plans to convert the Dhaka-Chattogram railway line from meter gauge to broad gauge by 2027 with potential financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Read More Tags: Bangladesh, ADB, Transport, Rail |
 August 2022ADB has committed continued support for the improvement of Bangladesh’s key infrastructures as the country carries on its path of post-pandemic recovery. ADB’s 2023–2025 lending pipeline for Bangladesh stands at approximately $9.4 billion for 44 projects. This includes development of roads and railway corridors that will be complemented by necessary reforms to facilitate inter-regional trade. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 June 2022ADB and the Government of Bangladesh have signed a loan agreement to improve cross-border trade in Bangladesh. The $143-million policy-based loan aims to improve the volume, efficiency, predictability, and security of cross-border trade in Bangladesh. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Trade Facilitation |
 May 2022Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepal inaugurated the Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), Nepal’s second international airport. The opening will contribute to the country's overall development and long-term prosperity, according to Mr. Deuba. ADB supported the Government of Nepal to build and upgrade the GBIA through the Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Airports, Air Transport |
 May 2022ADB Vice-President Shixin Chen visited the SASEC Chattogram–Cox's Bazar Railway Project and other ADB-assisted projects during a six-day visit to Bangladesh. Mr. Chen was in Dhaka to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during which he reaffirmed ADB's commitment to supporting rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, ADB, SASEC, Energy, Rail Transport |
 April 2022The Gorai flyover in Mirzapur upazila, Tangail, was opened to traffic on April 25, 2022. "The flyover will ensure smooth movement of vehicles," said Mr. Noor-e-Alam, additional director of South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC)-1 project, Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, SASEC, Road Transport, ADB, Economic Corridor Development |
 April 2022The Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department signed an $18 million contract with NDE Ltd. and FiberHome Telecommunication Technologies Co. Ltd. for Bangladesh's first dedicated intelligent transport system (ITS) project. The project, under the SASEC Road Connectivity Project 2 (Package 15), is financed by the Asian Development Bank. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, SASEC, Road Transport, ADB |
 March 2022ADB supports the improvement of efficiency, predictability, and security of Bangladesh’s cross-border trade, approving a $143 million loan package that will contribute in accelerating the country’s growth. Bangladesh: SASEC Integrated Trade Facilitation Sector Development Program includes a $90 million policy-based loan and a $53 million project loan. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Trade Facilitation |
 March 2022The Fifth Summit of Heads of State/ Government of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) adopted the BIMSTEC Charter and the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity. The Summit was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 30 March 2022. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, ADB, Transport |
 March 2022Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction of Nepal's Gautam Buddha International Airport is nearly complete. The linked article by Binita Shah Khadka, with original photos by Madhup Shrestha, was posted by the Asian Development Bank. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Transport, SASEC |
 March 2022Mr. Thiam Hee Ng, Director, South Asia Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division, Asian Development Bank (ADB), visited the BIMSTEC Secretariat to discuss a range of issues related to the broadening of ADB-BIMSTEC partnership. He also visited the SAARC Secretariat to review the implementation status of the activities under the MoU between ADB and SAARC. Read More Tags: ADB, BIMSTEC, SAARC |
 March 2022A delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) discussed with officials of the Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department (RHD) South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) projects funded by the ADB, during a meeting at RHD headquarters in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Bangladesh, Road, Transport |
 February 2022Mr. Arnaud Cauchois, ADB country director for Nepal, visited the Narayanghat-Butwal section of the SASEC Road Improvement Project to observe the status of the construction on 14–15 February 2022. Mr. Cauchois, joined by Mr. Sushil Babu Dhakal, project director for ADB, and staff members from the Department of Roads, visited four bridge construction sites, crushing plant sites, a concrete batching plant site, and labor and contractor camp sites. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, SASEC, Road, Transport |
 February 2022The Northern Bypass Road (NBR) has reduced traffic congestion in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, according to Mr. Devi Charan Dhimal, project coordinator, ADB. The NBR, constructed under the SASEC program, is a 2-kilometer four-lane road that includes an underpass near the Omchhu bridge. NBR Package-I was completed in January 2022. Read More Tags: ADB, Bhutan, SASEC, Transport |
 February 2022Phuentsholing has completed construction on Bhutan's first mini dry port. The project is connected to the North Bypass Road project and is part of a road connectivity project under the SASEC program. The mini dry port, which can process customs clearances for imports and exports, will help decongest Phuentsholing by allowing heavy trucks to bypass the town’s existing customs office. Read More Tags: ADB, Bhutan, Customs, SASEC, Transport |
 February 2022Bangladesh's foreign trade volume will increase by 50%, cargo shipment-and customs-clearance time will decrease by 50%, and smuggling will be prevented if the Government of Bangladesh undertakes customs reform and improvement in trade facilitation, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) noted to the Government of Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, ADB, Trade Facilitation |
February 2022 Bangladesh Railway continues to undertake initiatives to improve the country's rail connectivity across the country and with its neighbors. On 5 February 2022, Bangladesh Railway signed an agreement with the Hindustan Engineering and Industries Limited of India to purchase 420 broad-gauge wagons worth Tk. 231 crore (around $26.89 million) with financing from ADB. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Rail, ADB |
 December 2021The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of the Government of Bangladesh has drafted a proposal to upgrade trade infrastructure and three priority land ports to improve trade with its neighbors in the subregion. The NBR submitted the proposal for the project “Integrated Trade Facilitation Development under the SASEC Development Program” to the country’s Planning Commission. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade Facilitation, SASEC, ADB |
 December 2021ADB and the Government of India signed a loan agreement for the Industrial Corridor Development Program (Subprogram 1). Under the Program, ADB will lend $250 million (about Rs 1,872 crore) support to India. Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Finance, signed on behalf of the Government of India, and Mr. Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB India Resident Mission, signed on behalf of ADB. Read More Tags: ADB, India, Economic corridor, Investments, manufacturing, Logistics |
October 2021 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the Industrial Corridor Development Program (Subprogram 1) loan support for India worth $250 million with a $1 million “Knowledge Services for Industrial Corridor Development Program” technical assistance support. Read More Tags: ADB, India, Economic corridor |
 October 2021The Government of India has urged BIMSTEC member countries to collectively develop a strategy for financing and implementing the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity. Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India, noted that work on this matter has already started with the first consultative workshop on financing of the Master Plan organized by ADB. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Transport, ADB |
 September 2021A 23-kilometer double railway track from Cumilla to Laksam has been completed and is projected to save travel time on the track. Bangladesh Railway is set to open the line on 25 September 2021. The Dhaka-Chattogram railway corridor is a component of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation corridor in Bangladesh. Read More Tags: ADB, Rail Transport, Bangladesh, SASEC |
September 2021 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting the Electricity Grid Modernization Project through an additional $60 million loan to upgrade power transmission and distribution systems in Nepal. The project will help Nepal reach its electricity consumption target of 700 kilowatt hours per capita by 2026, according to Mr. Jiwan Acharya, Principal Energy Specialist for South Asia, ADB. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy |
 August 2021 |
 June 2021The Asian Development Bank and the Government of India signed the Tamil Nadu Industrial Connectivity Project on 16 June 2021. Under the agreement, ADB will finance a $484 million loan to improve transport connectivity and facilitate industrial development in the Chennai–Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor. Read More Tags: ADB, Economic corridor, India, Transport |
 May 2021The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in consultation with Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR), has prepared an action plan in line with the Customs Modernization Plan 2019-2022 of Bangladesh,. ADB supports the improvement of Bangladesh's trade facilitation environment. Read More Tags: ADB, Customs, Bangladesh, Trade Facilitation, National Board of Revenue |
 May 2021Work on the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Development Project is set to begin, with the Roads and Highways Department opening the first tender for road widening work on the highway. The invitation for bids was sent out on 29 April 2021 for the 35-kilometer section of the highway from Dhaka to Narsingdi. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Transport, Bangladesh, Road, Trade |
 May 2021The 16th Informal Meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Finance Ministers was held virtually on 5 May 2021. Finance Ministers/Heads of Delegations from all the member states of SAARC attended the meeting, which had the theme "Economic Recovery from COVID-19: Towards Inclusive and Resilient Growth." Read More Tags: SAARC, ADB, COVID-19 |
 April 2021The Asian Development Bank has approved a $484-million loan for a project to improve transport connectivity along the Chennai–Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC) in Tamil Nadu, India, to strengthen industrial growth and create jobs along the corridor. The CKIC is part of India’s East Coast Economic Corridor, which stretches from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu and connects to Southeast Asia and East Asia. Read More Tags: ADB, Regional Cooperation, SASEC, Transport, Economic Corridor Development, East Coast Economic Corridor |
April 2021 Foreign Ministers of the Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grouping finalized the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity at the 17th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting held on 1 April 2021. The master plan will be endorsed for adoption in the next BIMSTEC summit to be hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka later this year. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Trade Facilitation, Transport, ADB |
 March 2021The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) awarded GE Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions business the contract to upgrade three gas insulated substations (GIS) from 220 kilovolt (KV) to 400 KV. These are critical components of the Nepal SASEC Power Transmission and Distribution Project. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, SASEC, ADB |
 February 2021The Bangladesh Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved on 16 February 2021 the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Development project. The project will improve road connectivity and increase trade with neighboring countries. ECNEC gave the approval during a virtual meeting presided over by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Transport, Bangladesh, Road, Trade |
 February 2021On 7 June 2017, the Governments of Nepal and India signed a Memorandum of Intent bilaterally agreeing to launch a pilot project to facilitate transit traffic by using Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Mr. Rubal Jain from the Indian private sector discusses the benefits of ECTS since its implementation. This piece originally appeared on the Annapurna Express. Read More Tags: ADB, Electronic Cargo Tracking System, Nepal, India |
December 2020 The Government of Nepal and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a loan agreement for a project that will modernize the country’s electric grid on 30 December 2020. The Electricity Grid Modernization Project, a $156 million concessional loan from ADB, will increase the capacity and reach of Nepal’s power distribution networks to meet current and future demands, improve reliability and quality of supply, and reduce losses. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Energy |
 December 2020The Government of Nepal and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a loan agreement for the SASEC Airport Capacity Enhancement Project. The project will improve the capacity of two major airports in Nepal, the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and the Gautam Buddha Airport (GBA) in Lumbini. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Transport, Airports |
 December 2020The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a project readiness financing (PRF) facility worth $4.21 million for the Tripura Urban and Tourism Development Project. The Government of India will provide complementary financing of $1.05 million. The PRF will support the state government of Tripura in preparing infrastructure development projects that will upgrade the state’s urban amenities and boost its tourism infrastructure. Read More Tags: India, ADB, Tourism, Urban Development, Tripura |
 October 2020Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have agreed to fast-track projects to help economic recovery and job creation in the country. Bangladesh and ADB have pledged to accelerate approval for large contracts, implement health safety guidelines, and provide virtual training opportunities to project staff members and beneficiaries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, ADB |
 October 2020The Asian Development Bank has endorsed a new 5-year country partnership strategy for Maldives to support the country’s path to development. The strategy, which covers the period 2020–2024, will support Maldives in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also help ADB continue gender mainstreaming in its operations in the country. Read More Tags: ADB, Maldives |
 September 2020The 21st Session of the BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) convened foreign secretaries and senior officials of the BIMSTEC Member States. The virtual meeting approved the memorandum of understanding between the BIMSTEC Secretariat and the Asian Development Bank for greater project support in the BIMSTEC region. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, ADB, Regional Cooperation |
 August 2020ADB has a redesigned financing plan to help Bangladesh recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Country Operations Business Plan for 2021 to 2023, ADB's financing priorities in Bangladesh have been adjusted to include more than $11 billion in policy-based loans for social protection, economic recovery, and health programs. The plan includes support for SASEC road corridors, rail projects, and trade facilitation programs. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Transport, Road, Rail, Trade Facilitation |
 August 2020The Government of Nepal and the Asian Development Bank signed a loan and grant agreement that would help improve power supply and distribution systems in Nepal. The project aligns with the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program on intraregional power trade. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy |
July 2020 The coronavirus pandemic has slowed the implementation of Asian Development Bank-funded projects in Bangladesh, including the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Road Connectivity Project-1 and 2 and the SASEC Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Railway Project. As the country proceeds to lift lockdown restrictions, implementing agencies are preparing plans for the full resumption of work on construction sites. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Transport, Road, Rail, Bangladesh |
 July 2020Extensive connectivity in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion is needed to respond to economic vulnerabilities brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Increased connectivity through trade and transport infrastructure, such as those under the South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation program, help the Asian Development Bank in its work to reduce poverty and promote gender equality. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, Jobs |
June 2020 A new Asian Development Bank project will help improve power supply and distribution systems in Nepal through a concessional loan worth $200 million. The project aligns with the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program on intraregional power trade through cross-border power exchange. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, SASEC, ADB, India |
 June 2020The Asian Development Bank has expanded its support for Bangladesh's private sector through its Trade Finance Program. Enhancing the program will raise exports and imports, increase jobs, and contribute to economic development in Bangladesh. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Trade, Covid19 |
 May 2020ADB helps foster regional cooperation and integration through its support of the SASEC Program. In 2019, ADB committed $495 million to reduce travel times along regional corridors connecting Nepal with India and Bangladesh and improve connections to Sri Lanka’s international port under the SASEC Program. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Regional Cooperation, Trade Facilitation |
 May 2020An ADB trade finance program is supporting a loan to the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka to purchase medical supplies as part of the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More Tags: ADB, Sri Lanka, Trade, Covid19 |
 March 2020Mr. Arjun Goswami of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) emphasizes that amidst the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, “what we need now is not to step back from cross-border cooperation but to redouble such cooperation.” Mr. Goswami underscores that regional cooperation is very much a part of ADB, with various regional cooperation platforms, including the SASEC Program. Read More Tags: Pandemic, Covid19, Regional Cooperation, SASEC, ADB |
 March 2020A South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation project is providing affordable energy and improving lives in rural villages through an agreement signed by Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Center and the United Nations Development Programme to promote renewable energy in Nepal. Read More Tags: ADB, Hydropower, Nepal, Renewable Energy, SASEC, Solar Energy |
 March 2020The Government of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank signed on 15 March 2020 a $400 million loan agreement to upgrade the Dhaka-Northwest international road corridor. The project, under the Second South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Dhaka-Northwest Corridor Road Project, helps connect Bangladesh with Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, SASEC, Transport, Road |
 March 2020 |
 February 2020The Asian Development Bank has approved $42 million facility for project readiness financing (PRF) to improve transport connectivity in Bangladesh. The PRF will promote multimodal transport and support project preparation for road and railway projects and to help the country meet its growing transport needs. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Rail, SASEC, Transport |
 December 2019The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will support trade facilitation in Bangladesh under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program. A proposed project aims to ease transborder and regional trade through infrastructure development and regulatory reforms. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Customs, SASEC, Trade Facilitation |
 December 2019The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed to a loan of $195 million to improve the highway section between Pokhara and Mugling in Nepal. The highway section links Pokhara to Kathmandu and to subregional corridors connecting Nepal with India and Bangladesh. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Trade, Transport |
 November 2019The Asian Development Bank cohosted a forum to promote more women practitioners in South Asia’s energy sector. The forum is second in a series for Women in Power Sector Professional Network in South Asia, which aims to support women’s participation in energy projects and promote more women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, Gender, South Asia |
 November 2019Mr. Masatsugu Asakawa, sole nominee for the next Asian Development Bank (ADB) president, outlined in a statement that ADB has made great strides in advancing regional cooperation and expanding coverage of cross-border infrastructure. He said ADB will be furthering efforts to advance regional cooperation and integration through such initiatives as the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) partnership. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Regional Cooperation |
 October 2019The BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC) discussed rationalizing the organization’s areas of cooperation and the draft memorandum of understanding to be signed with the Asian Development Bank at the BPWC meeting in Colombo. Mr. Ravinatha Aryasinha, Foreign Secretary of the Government of Sri Lanka, emphasized that for Sri Lanka, early finalization of the BIMSTEC Charter and rationalization of the sectors are crucial to re-energize the organization. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, ADB, Sri Lanka, ASEAN, Regional Cooperation, Trade |
 September 2019The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has endorsed a new 5-year country partnership strategy for Bhutan. The strategy focuses on helping Bhutan achieve inclusive and sustainable growth, and will help Bhutan improve its regional cooperation efforts through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC). Read More Tags: Bhutan, SASEC, Regional Cooperation, ADB |
 September 2019Asian Development Bank (ADB) handed over to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ADB’s Country Operations Business Plan for 2020–2022. The plan programs around $5 billion in projects to promote sustainable growth in Bangladesh, and prioritizes skills development participation in global value chains through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation partnership. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, SASEC, ADB, Regional Cooperation, Transport, Rail |
 September 2019Bangladesh is in talks with Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal to import electricity to meet Bangladesh’s growing energy demand. This was according to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was speaking via videoconferencing at the inauguration of four power plants and eight substations in the country. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, India, Myanmar, Nepal |
 August 2019South Asia has been the fastest growing subregion in the world. Since 2014, its eight economies have been collectively growing by 7.0% annually. But in order to continue performing well in the coming years, the region will need reforms and investments. By promoting regional cooperation and integration, for example, South Asia can accelerate economic growth and boost employment. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Trade, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 July 2019The Sri Lanka Ports Authority will construct a new administrative building, according to Mr. Sagala Ratnayake, Minister, Sri Lanka Ports, Shipping, and Southern Development. SLPA’s old premises along the Colombo harbor will be vacated to make way for the construction of the South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation Port Access Elevated Highway. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Sri Lanka, Customs, Transport |
 June 2019 |
 June 2019The Government of Maldives has signed a $10 million project with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for its National Single Window Project. The agreement was signed at the sidelines of the Maldives Partnership Forum by Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer and Mr. Ronald Butiong, Director for Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination, South Asia Department, ADB. Read More Tags: ADB, Maldives, National Single Window, SASEC, Trade Facilitation |
 May 2019The Asian Development Bank approved the proposed financing for the Maldives: SASEC National Single Window Project worth $11 million. This project will introduce a single electronic platform in Maldives to improve the speed and efficiency of cross-border control procedures by employing the latest technology. This project will improve the trade environment of Maldives, and help expand its trade with partners in the region, including India and Sri Lanka. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Maldives, National Single Window, India, Sri Lanka, Trade Facilitation |
 March 2019The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Southern Development and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority held its final workshop on a National Port Master Plan on 7 March 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The plan is supported by a technical assistance project by the Asian Development Bank financed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Sri Lanka, Transport |
 January 2019The Government of Bangladesh has signed an agreement with a Bandgladesh-China joint venture to upgrade 190 kilometers of the Elenga–Hatikumrul–Rangpur section of the Dhaka-Northwest Corridor, under the SASEC program. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Road, SASEC, Transport |
 January 2019Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena and Mr. Takehiko Nakao, President, Asian Development Bank, signed three agreements, including a $300-million loan to construct about 5.3 kilometers of an elevated toll highway linking Colombo's international port and the country’s expressway network under the South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation Port Access Elevated Highway Project. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Sri Lanka, Transport |
 October 2018The Simrutu River Small Hydropower Project, a micro-hydropower plant developed under the SASEC Program, is nearing completion in Rukum District, Nepal. The power plant will produce 200 kilowatts of electricity for rural communities and will be the largest hydropower project in the district once completed. The project is partially financed by the Asian Development Bank. Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, Hydropower, Nepal, SASEC |
 October 2018Sri Lanka Customs Department is speeding up its cargo clearance procedures by improving the country’s risk management system. The Asian Development Bank is giving technical assistance to Sri Lanka to study the country’s current risk management system and come up with a risk management framework and standard operating procedures. Read More Tags: ADB, Customs, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 October 2018A new project to improve Nepal’s East-West Highway is set to strengthen regional connectivity, promote growth and trade, and improve road safety. An 87-kilometer section of the East-West Highway, also known as the Mahendra Highway, will be widened to four lanes and will be improved to include a center median, service lanes in populated areas, and a drainage system. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Regional Cooperation, Road, SASEC, Trade, Transport |
 September 2018A toll highway to be built in central Colombo will ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and facilitate trade logistics in Sri Lanka. The Asian Development Bank has approved a $300 million loan to help in the construction of about 5.3 kilometers of the highway, under the SASEC Port Access Elevated Highway Project. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Sri Lanka, Connectivity, Trade, Road, Transport |
 September 2018The Government of India has tasked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to undertake a study on coastal shipping. The Government aims to analyze constraints to coastal shipping to facilitate seamless connectivity between consumers and producers using the coastal shipping route. ADB is expected to submit a report on coastal shipping issues and suggested recommendations to the Ministry of Shipping in December. Read More Tags: ADB, Shipping, India |
 June 2018The Asian Development Bank (ADB) submitted the Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) pre-feasibility study report to the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Government of India, on 19 June 2018. The Government of India (GoI) requested for ADB's support to conduct MMLP pre-feasibility studies at select locations, including Jogighopa in Assam, India. Read More Tags: ADB, India, Transport |
 June 2018By investing in infrastructure that improves connectivity and reduces transport times to key markets, South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation countries could reap major benefits, a new Asian Development Bank study says. Read More Tags: SASEC, ADB, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, World Bank |
 May 2018Bangladesh’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has approved a project to install a high-voltage direct-current back-to-back substation at Comilla in Bangladesh for importing 500 megawatts of electricity from Tripura, India. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Energy, India, SASEC, Trade, Rail, Transport |
 May 2018This case study reviews how the Subregional Transport Facilitation Project removed roadblocks to Nepal's trade. The project, approved in 4 November 2004 and completed in 21 September 2010, made flow of import and export goods to Nepal easier, faster, and smoother. Learn how the project lowered the cost of capital for cargo in Nepal by 12% annually, making the country better connected to the subregional economy. Read More Tags: Transport, SASEC, ADB, Nepal, Customs |
 May 2018The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council of the Government of Bangladesh approved revisions to the project to upgrade the Joydevpur-Chandra-Tangail-Elenga Road into a four-lane highway. Revisions include extension of deadline and increase in funding. The Asian Development Bank will provide financing support through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) road connectivity project. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, ADB, SASEC, Transport, Road, Trade, Regional Cooperation |
 May 2018Dr. Yongping Zhai, Technical Advisor (Energy), Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Mr. David Elzinga, Senior Energy Specialist, ADB, advised the Government of Sri Lanka to keep their options open in securing the country's energy future. Reiterating ADB's support for Sri Lanka's energy security, Dr. Zhai urged the country to opt for renewables over coal to fast-track its commitment to the Paris agreement. Read More Tags: ADB, Renewable Energy, Climate Change, Energy, Sri Lanka, Regional Cooperation |
 March 2018South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Secretary General Amjad Hussain Sial met with ADB President Takehiko Nakao to discuss ways to increase cooperation between SAARC and ADB. Mr. Sial noted the prospects for better cooperation between SAARC and SASEC. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, SAARC, ADB, SASEC, South Asia |
 March 2018The Government of Nepal is aiming to finalize the transshipment modality with the Government of India for its third country trade. It will be part of the agenda in the upcoming Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) meeting in April in Pokhara, Nepal, headed by India and Nepal commerce secretaries. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, ADB, Transport, Electronic Cargo Tracking System |
 February 2018The Governments of Nepal and India are preparing to launch the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) as soon as possible. It received the green light from Nepal's Council of Ministers in January 2018. The planned pilot will run for three months, covering cargo entering Nepal by rail in Birgunj and by road in Biratnagar and Bhairawa. ADB is supporting the piloting of the project through the SASEC Program. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, SASEC, India, Transit Facilitation, Electronic Cargo Tracking System |
 January 2018South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF) will promote products by women entrepreneurs in markets in SAARC countries. A Women Entrepreneur International Trade and Technology Hub will be developed in Visakhapatnam, India, with ADB assistance. The Hub will serve as a one-stop platform for women entrepreneurs and provide training on international trade and business. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 January 2018The Cabinet of Nepal has approved the modality of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS). Following this, Nepal's Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has begun preparations for ECTS implementation with the assistance of ADB. Mr. Ravi Shanker Sainju, Joint Secretary, MoC, is hopeful that the ECTS will help control the turnaround time of shipping line containers, and significantly reduce the delay and cost of trade. He stressed that if Nepal can minimize time consumed in trade, cost of goods. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Electronic Cargo Tracking System, Customs, Trade |
 December 2017An ADB-funded project is upgrading power lines and substations in 49 locations in Nepal to enhance the country’s electricity distribution system. The $191 million SASEC Power System Expansion Project aims to increase the load-bearing capacity of transmission lines in Nepal. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Energy, Nepal |
 December 2017India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will prioritize plans to construct 2,000 kilometers of roads linking India's major highway corridors to international trade points in South Asia. MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari highlights that this plan, worth Rs 25,000 crore, will facilitate export/import trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal. The Ministry also took steps to operationalize the BBIN MVA. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Transport |
 December 2017Trade is lifting developing Asia’s growth, according to the Asian Development Bank Outlook (ADO) Supplement: A Firmer Growth Outlook for Asia. Despite downward revisions from previous projections, South Asia is still forecast to remain the fastest growing subregion in Asia and the Pacific. Read More Tags: ADB, Development, South Asia |
 November 2017ADB held a Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) Week to asses strategic RCI themes and initiatives in Asia and the Pacific and to define ADB implementation of its RCI Operational Plan. ADB also presented RCI Best Performers Awards, recognizing the SASEC Program for the SASEC Vision: Powering Asia in the 21st Century, and for leading the SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program Multitranche Financing Facility Project. Read More Tags: ADB, Connectivity, Regional Cooperation, Road, SASEC, Transport |
 November 2017In his keynote address at the ADB Regional Cooperation and Integration Week, ADB President Takehiko Nakao stated that regional cooperation is critical to securing Asia’s economic future. He noted ADB’s continued commitment to support regional cooperation as a means to reduce inequality and overcome infrastructure gaps, and cited specific SASEC projects as effective examples. The ADB Regional Cooperation and Integration Week was held on 27-29 November 2017, in Manila, Philippines. Read More Tags: ADB, ASEAN, Economic Corridor Development, Energy, Myanmar, Regional Cooperation, SASEC, Transport, World Bank, WTO |
 November 2017 |
 November 2017Implementing paperless trade measures in Asia and the Pacific would reduce trade costs, raise competitiveness, and enable countries in the region to benefit from the digital economy, according to the Trade Facilitation and Paperless Trade Implementation - Global Report 2017. Read More Tags: ADB, ASEAN, Customs, Trade Facilitation Agreement, UNCTAD, UNESCAP, WTO |
 October 2017The Asian Development Bank has submitted the Comprehensive Development Plan for the proposed Southwest Bangladesh Economic Corridor to the Government of Bangladesh. This strategic framework document will guide the efficient implementation of economic corridor projects, integrating industry, urban, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Economic Corridor Development |
 October 2017The Asian Development Bank has approved $1.2 billion financing support for the second phase upgrade of the Dhaka-Northwest international trade corridor, the second busiest artery in Bangladesh. Upgrading this corridor will improve access to the Burimari Land Port, which links Bangladesh to Bhutan through India, potentially increasing trade. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, India, Road, Transport |
 August 2017The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea EXIM Bank) held a seminar on the Colombo-Trincomalee Economic Corridor (CTEC) on 3 August 2017 to present the CTEC final policy consultation paper. The ADB-Knowledge Sharing Program joint consulting program was established to help strengthen Sri Lanka’s CTEC initiatives by providing practical knowledge, especially in foreign direct investment promotion. Read More Tags: ADB |
 August 2017This commentary on the interim report for the Southwest Bangladesh Economic Corridor by Mr. M. Rokonuzzaman Ph.D, Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North South University, Bangladesh, highlights the need for Bangladesh to boost its labor advantage with high-tech innovation to create high-paying jobs for millions of university graduates, ultimately driving the country toward its goal of achieving high-income status by 2041. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Economic Corridor Development |
 July 2017Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are working to increase their trade volume and diversify their products to promote more mutually-beneficial trade. This commentary by Mr. Amila Muthukutti, Sri Lankan economist and business writer, discusses market opportunities in Bangladesh for Sri Lankan investors, and highlights how a Free Trade Agreement will pave the way for strong trade relations. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Free Trade Agreement, Bilateral Trade |
 July 2017Economic growth prospects in developing Asia for 2017 have improved on the back of stronger-than-expected export demand in the first quarter of this year, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB) report, Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2017 Supplement. South Asia will remain the fastest growing of all subregions in Asia and the Pacific, with growth on track to meet projections of 7.0% in 2017. Read More Tags: South Asia, ADB, India, Exports, Development |
 July 2017The Asian Development Bank has approved a $21 million loan to support the Government of Nepal’s efforts to simplify, harmonize, and modernize the country’s trade processes, under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation. The program will help the country to promote and diversify exports, and help it fulfill its commitments to international customs standards. Read More Tags: ADB, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Nepal |
 June 2017An electronic tracking system will soon ease traffic-in-transit for cargo traveling by road and rail from Kolkata to four major Customs points of Nepal, including the Raxaul route. Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Customs Commissioner, India, and Mr. Rabi Shanker Sainju, Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary, Nepal, signed a memorandum of intent to pilot the tracking system for a trial period of at least 90 days in late 2017. Read More Tags: Electronic Cargo Tracking System, ADB, SASEC, Nepal, India, BBIN, Customs, Road, Rail, Transport |
 May 2017Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice President, Asian Development Bank (ADB), encouraged the active participation of Maldives in regional cooperation programs, in his two-day visit to Male, Maldives. ADB plans to increase support for Maldives in 2018-2019 through its indicative investment program that focuses on developing the Greater Male region, and also includes the SASEC National Window Project. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, Maldives, Trade Facilitation, Single Window, ADB |
 May 2017Finance ministers and senior officials of member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka met on 5 May at Yokohama, Japan, at the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 50th Annual General Meeting. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Central Asia, Climate Change, Energy, India, Maldives, Nepal, Policy, Regional Cooperation, SAARC, SASEC, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport |
 February 2017The Asian Development Bank and the Government of India have signed a $375 million agreement to develop the 800-kilometer Visakhapatnam (Vizag)-Chennai Industrial Corridor. The agreement includes the first tranche of $245 million, which will develop high-quality infrastructure in Visakhapatnam and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti, a $125 million policy-based loan, and a $5 million grant to build climate change resilient infrastructure. Read More Tags: ADB, Economic corridor, India, Act East Policy, Make in India, manufacturing |
 February 2017ADB has allocated $843.8 million for Nepal for 2017-2019. An additional $356 million can be made available over the period for projects contributing to regional cooperation and integration and reduction of disaster risks, provided that Nepal continues to improve performance of its ongoing projects, according to Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice President, ADB. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Regional Cooperation, Infrastructure, Energy |
 February 2017Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay met Ms. Kanokpan Lao-Araya, incoming Country Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Bhutan Resident Mission, and Mr. Hun Kim, Director General, ADB South Asia Department in Thimphu, Bhutan, after presentation of Ms. Lao-Araya's credentials to Bhutan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Damcho Dorji. ADB is upgrading Bhutan from a representative office to full-country operations. Read More Tags: ADB, Bhutan, Regional Cooperation, South Asia |
 February 2017The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is ready to assist Bangladesh in its efforts to improve transport and energy connectivity. Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice President, ADB, affirmed that ADB will continue to support Bangladesh in its goal of becoming a developed country by 2041, as well as in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and minimizing climate change impact. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, BBIN, Cooperation, Development, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Energy, Investment, Nepal |
 February 2017The Ganges flows through the middle of Bihar, India, physically dividing it into north and south. Enhanced connectivity can improve lives and livelihoods, especially if the infrastructure is climate-sensitive. Ms. Saleha Waseem, Operations Communications Specialist at the Asian Development Bank’s South Asia Regional Department, shows how improving transport links would make a huge difference to millions of people. Read More Tags: ADB, Agriculture, Bangladesh, Connectivity, Development, Economic corridor, Regional Cooperation, India, Nepal, Road, Services, Transport |
 February 2017Mr. Wencai Zhang, Asian Development Bank Vice President, discusses in this commentary how Asia’s growth poles will drive the global economy in the coming years, if South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia can dynamically integrate their economies. He emphasized the urgent need to synch strengths across sub-regions—by removing non-tariff barriers, strengthening connectivity, and building economic corridors—to help erase poverty in the region. Read More Tags: ADB, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Connectivity, Economic Corridor Development |
 December 2016Two of three South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation project components are seeing progress in Bhutan. A planned mini dry port project aims to provide cargo and other commercial vehicles a route that avoids traffic jams in the border town of Phuentsholing. A 2.66-kilometer bypass will also be built to connect Bau Bazaar in Jaigon and the Phuentsholing-Thimphu highway. Read More Tags: ADB, Bhutan, Transport, Customs, Road, SASEC, South Asia |
 December 2016A Regional Workshop on the SASEC Research and Training Network was held to assess the results and achievements of the SASEC Information Highway Project. The Meeting reviewed project implementation, discussed knowledge products, and summarized project benefits to rural communities. It also proposed ways to facilitate sustainable ICT cooperation among the four countries. Read More Tags: ICT, SASEC, ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 December 2016The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $20 million for the SASEC Power System Expansion Project in Nepal, to be provided by the ADB Strategic Climate Fund. This additional financing will support installation of utility-scale solar photovoltaic systems by 2018. The Government of Nepal is also providing complementary funding of $24.5 million. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, Trade, Hydropower, ADB, SASEC, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Regional Cooperation, Regional Integration, Solar Energy, India |
 December 2016Bangladesh Railway has set out a 20-year plan in a bid to increase the transport body’s market share. The plan includes 235 railway projects at a cost of $30 billion. The country currently has 2,877 kilometers of railroads and has made plans to add another 375 kilometers. ADB will be funding the 129-kilometer Dohazari-Gundum railway line at a cost of $1.5 billion. Such projects are expected to boost economic growth in Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Rail, Transport, Bangladesh, ADB |
 December 2016 |
 December 2016The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan for $187 million to Nepal for the SASEC Roads Improvement Project, which will upgrade transport connectivity and bring transformational gains by making social services more accessible, opening up previously untapped economic opportunities, and supporting trade between Nepal and India. Read More Tags: SASEC, Transport, Nepal, Connectivity, ADB, Services, Trade |
 November 2016The Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Asian Development Bank has engaged the Maritime and Transport Business Solution company to develop a National Ports Master Plan to further strengthen Sri Lanka's port sector. Read More Tags: ADB, Sri Lanka, SASEC, Ports |
 November 2016 |
 September 2016ADB has approved a multitranche financing facility and grant of $500 million for the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor Development Program to develop India’s first coastal industrial corridor, with the Government of India also contributing $215 million in funding. The Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor is a key section of India’s planned East Coast Economic Corridor. Read More Tags: ADB, Economic corridor, Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor, India, SASEC, SASEC Operational Plan |
 September 2016The six member countries of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Program have launched the SASEC Operational Plan for 2016-2025. The plan expands the program’s focus beyond intraregional cooperation to deepening linkages with Southeast and East Asia, and widens the scope of transport, trade facilitation, and energy cooperation to include economic corridor development as a priority initiative. The plan also lists more than 200 potential regional projects for South Asia. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Economic corridor, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 July 2016South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) investment projects increased to a cumulative $7.66 billion in the areas of transport, energy, trade facilitation, and ICT with the recent approval of India’s Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project. To date, 40 SASEC-supported projects are helping member countries strengthen regional connectivity infrastructure, promote economic growth, and foster regional cooperation. In addition, there are now 71 technical assistance projects worth $66.14 mi Read More Tags: SASEC, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Transport, South Asia, ADB, ICT, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Economic Corridor Development |
 June 2016The Rampura-Amulia-Demra public-private partnership (PPP) road project in Bangadesh will be developed into a four-lane 13.5-kilometer access road under a transaction advisory services agreement between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Bangladesh Public–Private Partnership Authority. The project complements ADB’s existing support to the Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department for intercity road connectivity under the SASEC Program. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Transport, ADB |
 June 2016The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has earmarked $4.10 billion for Bangladesh for the 2016-2019 period, subject to project readiness. This includes $50 million for the proposed SASEC Road Connectivity Project-II and $200 million for the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar railway project. The ADB is also allotting $300 million for power generation and $194 million for rural infrastructure maintenance. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Road, Transport |
 June 2016Greatly increased energy consumption is powering economic transformation in Asia and the Pacific, but also contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions. The devastating effects of climate change are already being felt in the region. In this speech delivered at the Pacific Energy Summit on 24 June 2016 in Singapore, Bambang Susantono, Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, Asian Development Bank, looks at the challenges faced by Asia’s growing economies a Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, Hydropower, Climate Change, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 May 2016The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Development Fund (SAARC SDF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a memorandum of understanding to undertake development projects in the South Asian region. Read More Tags: ADB, Transport, SAARC, ICT, Trade, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will create a 'central-level safeguard unit' to focus on preparation of the ADB-supported SASEC Power System Expansion Project in Nepal. The unit will comprise a team of professionals and experts, who will coordinate project issues at the local level, including land acquisition, forest clearance, and right of way. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy |
 January 2016 |
 December 2015Asian Development Bank (ADB) Chief Economist and Director General of Economic Research Dr. Shang-Jin Wei and a team of senior officials visited Sri City in India's Andhra Pradesh on 17 December 2015 as part of a study on the Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC). A Special Economic Zone for export-oriented industries will be established in Sri City's Industrial Zone, to support India's manufacturing growth campaign, the 'Make in India' initiative. Read More Tags: Special Economic Zone, Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor, manufacturing, India, ADB |
 June 2015The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to provide about US$6 billion for projects in Bangladesh, including regional connectivity road transport and railway networks. ADB – through its country partnership program 2016-2018 – is committed to supporting regional connectivity in South Asia that boosts trade and commerce. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Transport |
 June 2015The Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) transport ministers met in Thimphu, Bhutan on 15 June 2015 to endorse and sign the Motor Vehicles Agreement for the Regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN MVA). The BBIN MVA facilitates land transport arrangements among the four countries. Read More Tags: ADB, BBIN, Transport |
 May 2015The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to install solar lights in remote districts where power distribution was severely damaged by the earthquake. Solar power can provide a temporary solution while NEA repairs its distribution channels. Read More Tags: Energy, ADB, Nepal |
 April 2015The 48th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will discuss regional developments in Asia and the Pacific on 2-5 May 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Scheduled events will explore the general theme “Fostering Partnership for Development,” including the need to enhance regional cooperation and integration within Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Read More Tags: ADB, Regional Cooperation, Central Asia |
 March 2015The world's first regional workshop on the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA) was held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 16 to 18 March 2015. The three-day workshop discussed strategic initiatives that focused on three main agendas: (i) WTO TFA implementation; (ii) the World Customs Organization's Mercator Programme; and (iii) Customs cooperation among government age Read More Tags: WCO, WTO, Trade Facilitation, ADB |
 February 2015Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao called on Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on 3 February 2015 during a visit to Nepal, and met with Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat and National Planning Commission Vice Chairperson Govinda Pokharel. ADB plans to provide about $1 billion in concessional loans and about $13 million in technical assistance grants to Nepal over the next three years to support faster and more inclusive growth in the country. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy, Transport, Trade Facilitation |
 November 2014A co-financing agreement for the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Power System Expansion Project was signed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 14 November 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The project will improve access to energy in Nepal by increasing electricity access. Read More Tags: Energy, ADB, Nepal |
 October 2014The Asian Development Bank is extending $40 million in loan to Ocean Sparkle Ltd, one of India’s largest port operations and management companies, to expand and improve fleet services. This first private sector investment in India’s ports sector will fuel efficiency, lower freight costs, hasten shipping, and expand maritime trade. Read More Tags: ADB, India, Ports |
 October 2014The Royal Government of Bhutan's target to bring “Electricity for All” is picking up pace. The rural electrification project, which began in 2013 with the initial goal of bringing electricity to 40,257 households, had already connected 40,300 households to the national power grid by August 2014. In response to popular demand, the Government has now set a deadline for every home in Bhutan to receive electricity supply by end 2014. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, ADB |
 September 2014The Asian Development Bank held a Regional Energy Trade Workshop at its headquarters in Manila, Philippines on September 8-9, 2014. Mr. Bindu Lohani, ADB Vice President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, delivered the welcoming remarks. Read More Tags: Energy, ADB, SAARC, Regional Cooperation |
 August 2014Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao expressed full support for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of greater regional integration and connectivity at a meeting on August 27 during a 2-day visit to India. Strengthening ties with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries is a focus of Prime Minister Modi's government. Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, India, Regional Cooperation |
 August 2014Asian Development Bank Vice President Mr. Wencai Zhang met with the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Sushil Koirala on 17 August 2014, and assured him of ADB's commitment to help Nepal achieve its vision of graduating from least-developed country status by 2022. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, ADB |
 July 2014 |
 June 2014Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Centre has installed its first wind-solar hybrid system in Dhaubadi village of Nawalparasi district, with Asian Development Bank support. The clean energy approach of this successful pilot project, already providing energy services to 46 rural households, can be replicated under a proposed SASEC power system expansion project. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, Poverty Reduction, ADB, SASEC |
 May 2014Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance represented the Government of Nepal at the official launch of activities under a $1.5 million technical assistance project financed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, on 21 May 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The capacity development technical assistance will support trade facilitation initiatives being carried out under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Trade Facilitation Program. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Nepal, SASEC, ADB, WCO, Poverty Reduction, Customs |
 November 2012 |
 October 2012 |
 June 2012 |
 May 2012 |
 May 2012 |
 April 2012During the Bilateral Interconnection Agreement Meeting held on 25-27 April 2012 in Manila major telecommunication providers from SASEC countries signed agreements for the direct peering and exchange of internet traffic through high speed fiber-optic links to be built under the Information Highway. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, ICT, Nepal, Regional Integration |
 March 2012 |
 March 2012 |
