The Asian Development Bank (ADB) convened a webinar on “Facilitating Efficient Cross-border Logistics for COVID-19 Vaccines” on 4 February 2021 to support the member countries of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program in preparing for COVID-19 vaccine distribution and logistics. The webinar discussed issues, key actions, and next steps necessary for facilitating efficient cross-border COVID-19 vaccine logistics in the subregion. It also presented the perspective of the private sector on cross-border vaccine logistics.

The webinar held sessions on

• Preparing for efficient cross-border vaccine logistics;
• Experience of Indian Customs in facilitating cross-border movement of vaccines; and
• Private sector perspective on challenges involved and preparation for vaccine logistics.

Mr. Kenichi Yokoyama, Director General for South Asia, ADB, delivered the welcome remarks. Mr. Tadateru Hayashi, Principal Economist, South Asia Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division, ADB, moderated the webinar.

The knowledge event was attended by 96 participants, including senior officials from SASEC Customs administrations and officials from relevant SASEC government agencies, such as Civil Aviation, Foreign Affairs, Health, and Pharmaceutical ministries.