Publications List

Comprehensive listing of books, reports, and research on regional cooperation and integration (RCI) in South Asia and relevant global RCI publications, including publications on transport, trade facilitation, energy, and economic corridors in the SASEC region.

Selected Publication

Global Enabling Trade Report 2016

The Global Enabling Trade Report has been created to provide insight into trade policy and practice. It includes the Enabling Trade Index (ETI), which assesses the extent to which economies have in place institutions, policies, infrastructures and services facilitating the free flow of goods over borders and to their destination. This edition highlights that while an increasingly globalized trading system has been lifting millions out of poverty, trade barriers and costs are still preventing millions of people around the world from engaging in international trade. It reports that all South Asian economies have improved their ETI score over the past two years, with Bhutan as the most improved country in the region, jumping 12 places to 92, followed by India at 102, Sri Lanka at 103, Nepal at 108, Pakistan at 122, and Bangladesh at 123, yet the region remains the most closed worldwide. While South Asia has improved its access to foreign markets and adoption of ICTs, it needs to improve access to its domestic market – on average, South Asian countries impose a tariff of 16.7% on imported products – and enhance its transport infrastructure, particularly in Bhutan and Nepal.

Author: Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and the World Economic Forum

Year: 2016

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Tags: Trade, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Trade Policy, World Economic Forum, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan

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World Investment Report 2025

The World Investment Report monitors global and regional foreign direct investment (FDI) trends and national and international investment policy developments. In 2025, inflow of FDI in South Asia was broadly stable. India accounted for the majority FDI inflows in the subregion amid a small decline, while Sri Lanka experienced an increase in investment flows.

Author: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Year: 2025

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Tags: UNCTAD, Trade, South Asia, India, Sri Lanka

Asian Development Outlook (ADO) December 2025: Growth Steadies But Uncertainty Lingers

Gross domestic product (GDP) in developing Asia and the Pacific is forecast at 5.1% in fiscal year (FY) 2025 and at 4.6% in FY2026. GDP in South Asia is forecast to grow by 6.5% in 2025 and 6.0% in 2026 driven by robust growth in manufacturing and services, particularly in India, where growth is forecast at 7.2% for fiscal year (FY) 2025-2026. For most of the South Asian subregion, growth forecasts have been retained from September 2025 edition of the Asian Development Outlook, where Bangladesh GDP was at 4.0% in FY2025 and 5.0% in FY2026, Bhutan at 8.1% in FY2025 and 6.0% in FY2026, Maldives at 5.0% in FY2025 and 4.9 in FY2026, Nepal at 4.6% in FY2025 and 3.0% in FY2026, and Sri Lanka at 3.9% in FY2025 and 3.3% in FY2026. In Southeast Asia, Myanmar’s GDP was previously projected at -3.0% in 2025 and 2.0% for FY2026. As of December 2025, inflation in South Asia is estimated at 3.3% for FY2025 and 4.7% for FY2026.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2025

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Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Services

Transforming Energy Systems for a Low Carbon Future in Asia and the Pacific

This report looks at the advancements and obstacles faced in the transition to a low-carbon energy future in Asia and the Pacific, and analyzes the region’s progress toward Sustainable Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has been backing initiatives that enhance regional power grid connectivity as regional and cross-border planning becomes more important. Initiatives such as the Greater Mekong Subregion, the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation, and the Economic Cooperation Organization aim to expand cross-border power infrastructure and electricity trade. These examples illustrate how multilateral cooperation strengthens energy security and help achieve common climate goals.

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

Year: 2025

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Tags: UNESCAP, Regional Cooperation, Energy, Cooperation, South Asia, Sustainable Development Goals

Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2025: Understanding the Macroeconomic Implications of Climate Change

Climate shocks and disasters in Asia and the Pacific are disrupting livelihoods and economies. Transitioning to low-carbon development is necessary, though it may also lead to unexpected socioeconomic challenges. Understanding how climate change, climate policies, and economic outcomes are interconnected is needed to ensure long-term stability in the region. This publication looks at this connection and introduces a new assessment of macroeconomic and climate readiness in the Asia and Pacific region.

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

Year: 2025

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Tags: Climate Change, Asia-Pacific

Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific 2025

This report gives statistics on economic, financial, social, environmental measures, and select indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Statistics for Development Bank's members, including South Asian countries, cover figures for energy, transport and communications, and international trade and logistics.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2025

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Tags: ADB, South Asia, Sustainable Development Goals, Transport,

Returned 5 publications