COVID-19 | BIMP-EAGA

Lack of clean water will make it difficult for people to wash their hands frequently to prevent COVID-19 infection. Photo credit: iStock/Dzaqi Akbar.

Preparing for Drought during a Pandemic

December 01, 2020

A UNESCAP–ASEAN report urges policy makers to include climate action and adaption in COVID-19 stimulus packages.

Southeast Asia is rich in natural gas, hydropower, solar, bio-mass, wind, and geothermal energy. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Investing in Clean Energy Can Speed Up COVID-19 Recovery

December 01, 2020

A Sustainable Energy for All report says investing in renewables can add $25 billion to the annual GDP, create millions of jobs, and improve resilience.

The MOU covers the ASEAN List of Essential Goods, which covers mostly medicines and medical supplies and also includes soaps, disinfectants, and face masks. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

ASEAN Removes Trade Barriers on Medicines and Other Essential Goods

November 23, 2020

Ten countries in Southeast Asia are removing restrictions on intraregional trade of medicines and other goods needed to fight COVID-19.

7 Ways to Bolster Southeast Asia’s ‘Fragile’ MSMEs

November 19, 2020

To navigate the COVID-19 crisis, MSMEs require tailored approaches, with the most vulnerable being prioritized.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement is expected to improve market access, build regional supply chains, increase investments and opportunities, and boost economic recovery efforts during the COVID-19 crisis. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

5 Things You Need to Know about ASEAN’s Biggest Trade Agreement

November 19, 2020

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) groups the 10 ASEAN member states and its 5 regional partners: Australia, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand.

Direct cash transfers or deferrals of tax or rent could boost local consumption and help improve sales of local retailers, which are often micro-enterprises. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Targeted Measures for Small Businesses Are Critical to Economic Recovery

November 09, 2020

Small businesses need dedicated programs to help them weather the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, says an ASEAN–OECD policy paper.

International travel is still restricted in many parts of the world, including in Southeast Asia. However, countries have recently made tentative efforts to reopen their borders. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Here’s a Bright Spot for Tourism

November 05, 2020

International recognition amid the pandemic is a bright spot for tourism and travel players struggling to regain their business.

Education Ministers Embrace Digital Learning

October 27, 2020

Digitalizing education systems in ASEAN has become more urgent during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has made face-to-face learning difficult.

A line of motorcycle riders waiting to be tested

ASEAN Enhances Health Cooperation with New Initiatives

October 23, 2020

With no end in sight for the pandemic, ASEAN countries are scaling up efforts to protect public health from COVID-19 and improve their collective response.

The first Southeast Asia Development Symposium (SEADS) will be held via video conferencing. This photo shows the backend operations of a virtual meeting, which has become the new normal during the pandemic. Photo credit: ADB.

The New Normal: Driving Economic Recovery through Digital Innovation

October 15, 2020

A virtual symposium will gather policy makers and stakeholders to explore innovative responses to the COVID-19 crisis.