 August 2024Southeast and South Asia are two of the most dynamic and fastest growing regions in the world. Increasing integration between the two regions requires increased cooperation between regional institutions. BIMSTEC can enhance its implementation record and delivery by increasing cooperation with SASEC in areas where SASEC excels, such as in connectivity, economic corridor development, trade facilitation, tourism, and green energy. Read More Tags: South Asia, Southeast Asia, SAARC, SASEC, BIMSTEC, Regional Cooperation |
 February 2024India Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for multiple road projects in Guwahati, Assam. The projects include the upgrading of 43 roads under the SASEC Corridor Connectivity Project. Among the projects are the upgrading of the Dolabari to Jamuguri road and the Biswanath Chariali to Gohpur road, both of which will be upgraded to 4 lanes to help push economic development in the region. Read More Tags: India, Road, Economic corridor, SASEC, Southeast Asia |
 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 |
 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 2023Foreign direct investment is effective in promoting economic development according to International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman, speaking at the webinar "Into the Centenary Year: ICC Court visits ICC Bangladesh." Bangladesh is South Asia's second-largest economy and is slated to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category in November 2026. Read More Tags: FDI, Bangladesh, SASEC, Economic Corridor Development |
 March 2023Watch the video about how the Joydevpur-Elenga-Hatkumrul-Rangpur-Burimari-Banglabandha road benefits local communities and helps facilitate trade with Bhutan, India, and Nepal. The project, committed in 2013, is being undertaken with support from the Asian Develop Bank and is part of SASEC Corridor 4. The Joydevpur-Elenga section was completed in 2022, while improvement work to the Elenga–Rangpur Road is ongoing. Read More Tags: SASEC, Bangladesh, Transport |
 December 2022State highways in Assam, India, are set to be upgraded through a loan approved by the Asian Development Bank. The project will connect SASEC with Bhutan's and Bangladesh's borders. It is expected to improve transport and increase the volume of trade across borders. Read More Tags: SASEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Trade, Transport |
 November 2022Road expansion work for the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Investment Project is set to begin in December 2022. Work to expand the highway from two to six lanes aims to reduce travel time and improve road safety. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, SASEC, 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 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 |
 July 2022Regional forums such as South Asia Forum for Infrastructure Regulation, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, and South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation bring together stakeholders and more local or regional institutions are needed to gain optimal benefit from regional cooperation. This commentary appears on the Dhaka Tribune. Read More Tags: Energy, SASEC, SAARC, South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 June 2022The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved the SASEC Integrated Trade Facilitation Sector Development Project: Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA) Part with Tk 2.17 billion (around $23.47 million) and SASEC Integrated Trade Facilitation Sector Development Project with Tk 3.13 billion (around $33.85 million). Read More Tags: Bangladesh, SASEC, Trade Facilitation |
 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 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 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 |
 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 |
 November 2021The Bangladesh Planning Commission is aiming to improve the communication network of Benapole, Asian Highway, including Bhomra Land Port and Mongla Sea Port, SAARC Highway Corridor, BIMSTEC Road Corridor, and SASEC Road Corridor with the northwestern region of the country. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, SASEC, Road |
 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 2021The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Bangladesh Road Transport and Highways Division (RTHD), and Roads and Highways Department (RHD) held a knowledge sharing webinar on "Strengthening Road Maintenance & Management System of Bangladesh" via Zoom on 14 September 2021. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, SASEC, Road Transport |
 September 2021The government of Bangladesh aims to complete the railway line from Dohazari, Chattogram, to Cox's Bazar by June 2023, after work on the project slowed due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. The SASEC railway project is building a new 102-kilomter dual-gauge single railway line. It will facilitate trade, investment, and travel for tourists and will strengthen the economy of beach communities along the railway. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, SASEC, Rail, Transport |
 August 2021 |
 August 2021The Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department has signed an agreement for two packages under the SASEC road connectivity project. The project aims to develop connectivity between Dhaka and the country's northern region. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, SASEC, Road |
 August 2021The Bangladesh Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved the establishment of a Road Research and Training Center as part of the SASEC Road Connection Project, which will upgrade the Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur Highway to four lanes. The project was approved by the committee during the virtual meeting chaired by Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Road, SASEC |
 July 2021The Roads and Highways Department of Bangladesh has awarded to contractor Abdul Momen Ltd., also known as AML Construction, the project to widen the highway linking the town of Elenga and the city of Rangpur in northeast Dhaka in Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Road Transport, Bangladesh, SASEC |
 July 2021A 132-kilovolt (kV) Samundratar-Trishuli transmission line and a 132/33-kV Samundratar substation under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program were inaugurated by Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The 25.74-kilometer transmission line will be able to transmit up to 270 megawatts of electricity. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, SASEC |
 June 2021The Bangladesh Roads and Highways Department is set to incorporate an electronic road operation system to the SASEC Road Connectivity Project II, which is currently under construction. The Tangail-Rangpur Highway project will be the first to be operated electronically using the IT-based intelligence surveillance system to facilitate traffic flow and road safety. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Road, SASEC |
 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 |
 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 |
 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 |
 September 2020The Bangladesh Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has approved a road expansion program through the SASEC Road Link Project II: Elenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur Highway Four-Lane Upgradation. The project will be part of a road network connecting Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal that would increase trade and commerce in the subregion. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Economic Corridor Development, India, Nepal, SASEC, Transport |
 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 |
 July 2020The 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 |
July 2020 The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Project Road Connectivity Project, which will connect Bangladesh with regional and international transport networks, is 75.48% completed. The Government of Bangladesh is also upgrading the Elenga-Hatikumrul highway to include four lanes with service lanes on both sides. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Transport, Road, SASEC |
 June 2020A 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 |
 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 |
 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 |
 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 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 2019Trade is one of the engines of Asia’s economic growth. Amid these challenging times for trade, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports trade reforms in Asia and the Pacific. In South Asia, ADB is supporting the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program to simplify trade documentation, promote automation in border agencies, develop a national single window platform, and develop trade-related infrastructure. Read More Tags: National Single Window, SASEC, South Asia, Trade Facilitation Agreement, WTO |
 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 2019Construction of Colombo's first elevated highway commenced on 10 September 2019 with Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe laying the foundation stone to mark the start of construction. The project will help alleviate traffic congestion in Colombo’s densely populated areas, improve last-mile connectivity between the country’s expressway network and Colombo’s international port, provide better logistics services for freight operations, and facilitate regional trade. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, SASEC, Transport, Trade Facilitation |
 August 2019The mini dry port in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, has been constructed and will begin operation once the northern bypass road is completed. Both are components of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Project. Read More Tags: SASEC, Bhutan, Transport |
 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 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 |
 May 2019Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Konabary and Chandra flyovers; the Kaliakair, Deohata, Mirzapur, and Gharinda underpasses; and the Kadda-1 and Bimail bridges on the Joydebpur-Chandra-Tangail-Elenga highway under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation countries (SASEC) road connectivity project. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Economic Corridor Development, SASEC, Transport |
 May 2019Sri Lanka’s exports to SASEC member countries have increased from 6% to 8% in the 13-year-period from 2002 to 2015. India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partners, according to the study Potential Exports and Nontariff Barriers to Trade: Sri Lanka National Study prepared by ADB. The study looks at ways to help Sri Lanka exports by establishing laboratory facilities for testing products and by developing the country’s regulatory framework, institutional settings, and capacity. Read More Tags: Sanitary and Phytosanitary, Technical Barriers to Trade, SASEC, Sri Lanka |
 April 2019A 46.8-meter bridge over the Omchhu River in Phuentsholing, Bhutan, is now open to motor vehicle traffic. The bridge will ease congestion in Phuentsholing and complement the SASEC bypass road project, which aims to promote regional connectivity and cross-border trade through investment in road construction and land ports. Read More Tags: Bhutan, SASEC, Transport |
 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 |
 December 2018The SASEC Secretariat wishes peace, prosperity, and joy to everyone in 2019. Read More Tags: SASEC |
 December 2018Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi undertook her first state visit to Nepal. She paid a courtesy call to Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli where they explored how to further expand their bilateral ties. At the Nepal Chamber Expo 2018, she delivered a speech urging both countries to improve economic relations. She also emphasized both countries’ membership to the SASEC program. Read More Tags: Myanmar, Nepal, Economic cooperation, Tourism, Transport, SASEC |
 November 2018Technology helps set the appropriate balance between facilitation and enforcement by border agencies. In this ADB blog entry, Mr. Ronald Butiong, Director, Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination, South Asia Department, ADB, discusses how the electronic cargo tracking system uses information and communication technology, satellite positioning systems, and high security seals to allow organizations to monitor the movement of cargo, thereby enhancing trade facilitation in South Asia. Read More Tags: Customs, Electronic Cargo Tracking System, Regional Cooperation, SASEC, Trade Facilitation |
 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 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 |
 August 2018The author highlights how fast-paced infrastructure development could help unlock competencies of India’s northeast region. With the Government of India's focus on promoting the northeastern region as a key trade gateway, projects such as the 1,400 kilometer India-Myanmar-Thailand highway and the SASEC Road Connectivity project, promises to boost the country's trade and commerce, and enhance India’s logistics capabilities. Read More Tags: India, Myanmar, Thailand, SASEC, Road, Logistics |
 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 2018The 9th Annual Ministerial Meeting of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) on Trade and Transport was held to discussed key issues in transport, transit cooperation, trade, and trade facilitation among LLDCs. Bhutan and Nepal sent delegations to the Meeting. They highlighted initiatives being taken to connect their countries to the global market, including bilateral agreements in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion and the SASEC Trade Facilitation Program. Read More Tags: Trade, Trade Facilitation, Sustainable Development Goals, Cooperation, Connectivity, Bilateral Agreement, Bilateral Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, SASEC, India, Transport, Ports, Customs, Roads, Single Window |
 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 |
 April 2018The Government of India launched the test phase for railway movement of goods entering Nepal via the Biratnagar check post. The Container Corporation of India began carrying freight bound for Jogbani in Bihar, the nearest rail station to Biratnagar, on 25 April 2018. This development follows implementation of the electronic cargo tracking system. Read More Tags: Rail, India, Nepal, Electronic Cargo Tracking System, SASEC |
 April 2018The National Highways Authority of India signed on 11 April 2018 an agreement to widen the Yagyi-Kalewa section of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. Construction is also underway for the Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong road under the SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program. These projects will improve the flow of vehicular traffic and enhance trade, health services, and tourism in India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Read More Tags: India, Myanmar, Thailand, SASEC, Transport, Road |
 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 |
 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 2018The SASEC Secretariat wishes peace, prosperity, and joy to all this 2018. Read More Tags: SASEC |
 December 2017The SASEC Program ended 2017 on a high note, having launched the SASEC Vision, welcomed Myanmar as a full member of SASEC, invested almost $1 billion in three new projects during the year, and seen total program investment rise to $10.74 billion for 49 loan/grant projects. The SASEC Vision paved the way in 2017 for strengthened partnership and economic cooperation between the countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia, by leveraging opportunities and synergies found in natural resources. Read More Tags: SASEC, Myanmar, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Economic Corridor Development |
 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 |
 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 2017Trading across borders, a key component of a country's ease of doing business, can be quantified through a time release study (TRS). This commentary discusses the outcomes of a TRS conducted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH), which identified practices that will allow India to achieve the average release time of 72 hours, and proposed recommendations that the Customs department can lead going forward. Read More Tags: SASEC |
 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 |
 October 2017The new-look SASEC website is fully mobile-friendly and automatically adjusts to fit the screen you are using — computer, tablet, or mobile phone—making it a convenient choice for staying in touch with regional cooperation throughout South Asia. SASEC has also updated to HTTPS for enhanced cybersecurity and user privacy. Read More Tags: SASEC, ICT, Regional Cooperation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives |
 August 2017SASEC conceptualized the Information Highway Project to assist cooperation in the region and realize SASEC's goals of social and trade development. The project is being implemented in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal with the aim of making ICT more accessible to remote communities in these countries. It is expected to help SASEC countries increase their productivity and participate fully in the global information economy. Read More Tags: SASEC, ICT |
 August 2017The Government of Bangladesh will develop four land ports as part of its initiatives to increase trade and commerce with India. Around $85.2 million was approved by Bangladesh's Executive National Economic Council to improve the Sheola, Bhomra, and Ramgarh land ports. Another project will be undertaken to modernize security at Benapole land port. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Ports, SASEC, Trade |
 July 2017India’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval for a $253,406,409 project to be implemented by the state-run National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation. The project, part of the SASEC Road Connectivity Investment Program, will upgrade and widen 65 kilometers of the Imphal-Moreh section of National Highway 39 in northeastern India. Read More Tags: India, Road, SASEC, Small and Medium Enterprises, Transport |
 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 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 |
 April 2017SASEC Powering Asia in the 21st Century defines the SASEC Vision, setting the SASEC partnership on a path to help transform the subregion into Asia's powerhouse in the 21st century. The Vision steps up cooperation among SASEC member countries, guiding them how to transform transport corridors into industrial and economic corridors, and promoting sustainable economic growth by generating synergies among SASEC member countries. Read More Tags: SASEC, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy |
 April 2017Bangladesh has the potential to become a transport hub for India, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Myamar, according to Mr. AMA Muhith, Finance Minister, Bangladesh. Turning Bangladesh into a regional and transshipment hub would enhance economic cooperation and result in collective economic growth for the countries, Mr. Muhith said at the SASEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Economic Corridor Development, Energy, ICT, India, Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar, SASEC, South Asia, Sri Lanka, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Regional Cooperation |
 March 2017SASEC is now on Facebook, connecting followers to the most up-to-date news on regional cooperation in South Asia, SASEC events, project information, and publications that are all featured daily on www.sasec.asia. To follow SASEC on Facebook, simply click here; then click “Like” at the top of the Facebook page. Read More Tags: SASEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Regional Cooperation, Trade, Economic cooperation |
 February 2017The SASEC Secretariat is happy to announce that the Government of Myanmar has joined the SASEC partnership as a full member on 21 February 2017. Read More Tags: Myanmar, SASEC |
 January 2017The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program wishes everyone peace, prosperity, and good health. Read More Tags: SASEC |
 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 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 |
 December 2016The SASEC project portfolio has surpassed the $9 billion mark with the December 2016 approval of Nepal’s SASEC Roads Improvement Project, worth $256.5 million. There are now 44 SASEC investment projects worth a cumulative $9.13 billion. During 2016, seven projects have been approved for a total of $2.37 billion. Read More Tags: SASEC, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Transport, Roads, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, ICT, Rail, Economic corridor, Connectivity |
 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 |
 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 |
 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 |
 August 2016The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting focused on improving trade relations among member nations. Discussions revolved around economic issues, Customs unions, avoidance of double taxation, improving connectivity, increasing trade volume, and developing supply chain linkages. Read More Tags: SAARC, India, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Connectivity, Customs, SASEC, Trade |
 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 interactive SASEC Corridor Map on the SASEC Program website and SASEC Mobile App is your gateway to SASEC projects. View projects by sector—energy, transport, trade facilitation, and ICT—or by corridor using the interactive map, to learn how the SASEC program is helping promote regional prosperity in South Asia. The map also includes project information and links to SASEC project pages. Read More Tags: SASEC, Economic corridor, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives |
 June 2016Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have expressed interest in adopting best practices of the Indian Trade Portal in setting up their own trade portals to promote international trade. Trade portals to be set up by Bhutan and Nepal will also be useful for cargo being routed through India, and will contribute to the common documentation system needed to implement the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade Portal, Trade Facilitation, SASEC, Customs, Trade |
 May 2016A proposed SASEC road upgrade project in Bangladesh will improve the country’s transport system and enhance trade and investment in the region, according to Mr. Obaidul Quader of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges Read More Tags: SASEC, Transport, Bangladesh |
 April 2016Version 2.0 of the SASEC Program Mobile App is now available for download. With improved user interface and layout, updated offline data, faster caching, and smaller app size, the updated SASEC Program Mobile App is lighter, quicker, and more user friendly. Read More Tags: Knowledge Product, SASEC, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Transport |
 December 2015The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program wishes everyone a happy and peaceful new year. Read More Tags: SASEC |
 August 2014Economic dynamism in the Asia-Pacific region has been driven primarily by individual economies, yet to ensure sustainable growth in the future, countries must integrate and cooperate to share prosperity, according to the 2014edition of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, Poverty Reduction, UNESCAP, Asia-Pacific, Energy, Connectivity, ICT, LDC, SASEC, Trade, Transport |
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 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 |
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 November 2012The SASEC energy working group agreed to conduct feasibility studies for three new priority large-scale cross-border transmission projects worth over $3 billion at a meeting on 9 November 2012 in Thimphu Bhutan. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, Investment, SASEC, South Asia |
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