The prospects for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have worsened due to the economic and social impacts of the pandemic. Mobilizing resources to recover from the pandemic which aligns with the need to achieve SDGs is now urgent. Countries should strengthen multilateralism as well as regional cooperation to mobilize the resources to attain a sustainable recovery.

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

Year: 2022

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This report notes how costs and time to trade in Asia and the Pacific has declined since 2018, with South Asia registering the highest reduction in time to trade. The report also looks at how aid for trade should be modernized to address new economic and trade realities such as the rising need for regional cooperation.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2022

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Rapid economic growth in Asia and the Pacific in the last three decades have lifted many out of poverty, through improvements in agriculture and manufacturing. Nevertheless, many countries have experienced increases in inequality in their countries since the 1990s. This publication argues that Asia-Pacific countries should prioritize inclusive growth, by allowing those from all socioeconomic groups to improve livelihoods, incomes, and education. While fiscal and health challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic present challenges, achieving inclusive recovery is still very possible.

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

Year: 2022

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Tags: UNESCAP, COVID-19, Trade

South Asian countries are emerging from coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic burdened by high inflation and fiscal imbalances, as well as external shocks. In Bangladesh, gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to increase by 6.4% in fiscal year (FY) 2021-2022 and 6.7% in FY2022-2023. In Bhutan, FY2021-2022 growth is estimated at 4.4% and FY2022-2023 growth at 4.7%, with the expected return of international tourists and migrant workers from India. In India, FY2022-2023 growth is projected at 8%, slightly below last year’s rate. Economic recovery in Maldives will stay strong in 2022, with real GDP growth expected to grow by 8.5% in 2022 and 9.1% in 2023. In Nepal, tourism has yet to recover, with growth projected at 3.7% in FY2021-2022 and 4.1% in FY2022-2023. Hydropower in Nepal is providing a natural hedge against increases in crude oil-based energy prices. Growth in Sri Lanka is hampered by a series of shocks amid high debt, with 2022 growth projected at 2.4%.

Author: World Bank

Year: 2022

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

Increased integration in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregion is critical for shared economic growth. This report looks at opportunities for strengthening regional, subregional, and bilateral initiatives to increase connectivity. It reviews the impact of these initiatives on multimodal connectivity and its effect on the BBIN subregion.

Author: CUTS International

Year: 2022

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Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade, Transport