South Asia is projected to grow faster than other subregions in Asia, with real gross domestic product (GDP) estimated at 5.5% in fiscal year (FY) 2023 and 6.1 in FY2024. Growth within South Asia is expected to vary, with India projected to grow by 6.4% in FY2023 and 6.7% in FY2024 behind strong domestic demand. In Bangladesh, GDP growth is estimated at 5.3% in FY2023 owing to global economic disruptions and 6.5% in FY2024. In Bhutan, hydropower production will push up growth to 4.6% in FY2023 and 4.2% in FY2024. Growth in Maldives is estimated at 7.1% in FY2023 and 6.9% in FY2024, supported by a boom in tourism and construction. In Nepal, growth will slow to 4.1% this year before picking up in FY2024 at 5.0% with a recovery in tourism and infrastructure. Sri Lanka is projected to contract at -3.0% in FY2023 before recovering to 1.3% in FY2024 premised on debt relief and key reforms. In Southeast Asia, Myanmar's GDP will rise moderately to 2.8% in FY2023 and 3.2% in FY2024.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2023

Download

Tags: South Asia, Hydropower, ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka

This report shows how smart trade and investment policies, and regulatory cooperation in the Asia and Pacific region can help economies tackle climate change, recover from the pandemic, and support resilient and sustainable development. Analyzing topics including global value chains, investment, the movement of people, and regional cooperation initiatives, it outlines the economic and environmental challenges the region currently faces. It explores how trade and investment policies can support climate action and highlights why a joined-up approach is essential to help deepen the digital economy, strengthen supply chains and foster greener businesses, markets, and trade.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2023

Download

Tags: SASEC, Infrastructure, ADB, Connectivity, Climate Change, Global Value Chains, Trade

The northeast of India is shares international borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar and acts as a bridge for India's participation in global forums through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation and the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program. This paper highlights challenges in global trade and suggests ways for improving trade with other countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Author: Sanchita Basu Das and Soumya Chattopadhyay

Year: 2023

Download

Tags: India, Trade Facilitation, SASEC, BIMSTEC, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar

The Government of India launched the National Logistics Policy in 2022 to improve the ease of doing business in the country. The policy integrates infrastructure and network planning and aims to make logistics services and human resources more efficient. This paper explains the current status of logistics and connectivity in India as well as the northeastern region's potential to expand domestic and international trade. The paper also identifies opportunities and initiatives to improve logistics performance.

Author: Bijaya Roy and Mihir Shekhar Bhonsale

Year: 2022

Download

Tags: India, Logistics, Regional Connectivity

Thematic tourist circuits in the BIMSTEC region can help boost economic recovery from the pandemic and promote a return to pre-COVID-19 tourism growth. However, to fully realize the benefits of cross-border tourism and create thematic circuits, multiple issues need to be addressed throughout the region. This report focuses on COVID-19 recovery, infrastructure, marketing and products, human resources, policy, and investment areas, and recommends actions for each to help hasten the recovery and aid in creating thematic circuits.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2022

Download

Tags: BIMSTEC, Tourism, COVID-19