This paper summarizes a study that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) undertook upon the request of the Government of Tamil Nadu, India. The state sought to become a preferred investment destination with an investor-friendly business climate. The study identified policy, institutional, and process reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Tamil Nadu, including institutional and regulatory reforms needed for the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) development. The study resulted in the implementation of an online single window mechanism that simplified and sped up processes for transparent and time-bound clearances for investors.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2018

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Tags: ADB, Ease of Doing Business, Economic Corridor Development, India, Single Window

This report tracks the progress of regional cooperation and integration in Asia. It shows how intraregional trade grew in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. In South Asia, the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) has been focused on building multimodal connectivity to facilitate trade as one of its priorities. Its operational plan is being reviewed to better reflect regional project priorities in the region. SASEC is also studying how Myanmar, its newest member, is to be integrated as a vital link between South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The chapter "Toward Optimal Provision of Regional Public Goods in Asia and the Pacific" looks at how collective action among countries can help find solutions for such transnational challenges as infrastructure connectivity, environmental degradation, and transnational health threats.

Author: Asian Development Bank

Year: 2018

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Tags: ADB, Regional Cooperation, SASEC, Trade Facilitation

Amid a turbulent international environment, South Asia is expected to remain the fastest-growing region in the world. Growth in Bangladesh will be driven by consumption and public investment. In Bhutan, growth is expected to accelerate with the commissioning of two major hydropower projects. Growth in India firms up prompted by the adoption of the Goods and Services Tax and the recapitalization of banks. Maldives is projected to grow strongly based on dynamism in construction and tourism. Economic activity in Nepal is set to grow over the medium term while Sri Lanka’s economic growth will recover following 2017’s weather disruptions. The report highlights how growth performance is anchored on domestic consumption rather than private investment or exports.

Author: World Bank

Year: 2018

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India and Bangladesh use inland waterways to trade goods, mainly through three routes. The most active route is a portion of Protocol Route 1 between Kolkata, India, and Narayanganj, Bangladesh. This paper by Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International explores how cross-border trade may be expanded along the stretch between Dhubri, India, and Chilmari, Bangladesh. Opening the route to small mechanized boats would offer livelihood opportunities to boat pilots, boat builders, vendors, small traders. Farmers will also have access to new markets across the border. The study highlights the need for an inclusive developmental approach that encourages cooperation in trade and connectivity and benefits marginalized communities.

Author: Saurabh Kumar, Susan Mathew, and Veena Vidyadharan

Year: 2018

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This report takes an in-depth look at trade in South Asia and examines barriers that have held back trade in the subregion. It examines tariffs and para-tariffs, real and perceived non-tariff barriers, connectivity costs, and the broader trust deficit and outlines concrete steps for tapping trade potential through deeper integration. It offers policy recommendations that could help push key areas of trade that would be beneficial to all countries in the subregion.

Author: Sanjay Kathuria

Year: 2018

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