South Asia Economic Focus, Fall 2021South Asia continued to recover from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with growth set to rise by 7.1% in 2021 and 2022. Growth in Bangladesh is estimated at 6.4% in fiscal year (FY) 2021-2022 with the recovery of exports and private consumption. Bhutan GDP is projected to grow by 3.6% supported by migrant labor and public infrastructure projects. India is projected to grow by 8.3% in FY2021-2022 on the back of incentives to increase domestic demand and manufacturing. With the return of tourism in Maldives, the country’s output is expected to grow at 23.3% in 2021. Nepal GDP is estimated to grow by 3.9% as vaccination picks up and tourism and migrant worker flow recover. With pressure from the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant in June 2021, real GDP in Sri Lanka is projected to grow by 3.3% in 2021. Author: World Bank Year: 2021 Download Tags: South Asia, WB, COVID-19 Field Diary Chattogram Port: Transition from National to Regional Transportation HubThis study conducted by CUTS International, India, in collaboration with Unnayan Shamannay assesses infrastructure and trade logistics at Chattogram Port, Bangladesh. Chattogram Port is considered the maritime gateway of Bangladesh, with nearly 90% of Bangladesh trade passing through through the port. The study noted points of conflict between policy and practice while stakeholders identified the support needed to ensure that regional multimodal connectivity delivers its projected benefits. Author: CUTS International Year: 2021 Download Tags: Bangladesh, Trade Policy, Ports Reforming Port Processes in India for Logistics EfficiencyResearchers undertook port-process mapping at Jawaharlal Nehru and Vishakhapatnam ports, two key export–import gateways in India, to help identify strategic reform and potential solutions to improve port systems in the country. This brief recommends streamlining and digitizing port logistics and operations in India to help reduce logistics cost and make operations more efficient. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2021 Download Tags: ADB, India, Customs Field Diary Phuentsholing: Largest Commercial Hub in BhutanThis study assesses infrastructure and trade logistics in Phuentsholing, Bhutan. It observed that several South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) projects have helped develop trade and transport in Phuentsholing through the construction of four-lane roads and bridges. The study proposes ways to promote multimodal connectivity among the BBIN countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal), such as the further improvement of ports and related facilities in Phuentsholing to handle an increase in trade and transport. Author: CUTS International Year: 2021 Download Tags: Bhutan, SASEC, Trade, Transport, BBIN Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific 2021Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific 2021 provides updated statistics on economic, financial, social, and environmental measures as, well as select indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Statistics are for 49 regional members of the Asian Development Bank, including numbers for energy and electricity, transport and communications, and international trade. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2021 Download Tags: ADB, South Asia, Sustainable Development Goals |
