Asian Development Bank
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For ADB members in Asia and the Pacific, stronger tax systems are now more important than ever-to boost revenues enabling recovery from the economic shocks of COVID-19, and to reinforce implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. Using comparative data up to the fiscal year 2020 and drawing from the International Survey on Revenue Administration (ISORA 2021), this sixth edition in our series analyzes the administrative setups and performance...
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This report analyzes how to untangle and simplify the complex product-specific rules of origin (PSRO) in free trade agreements in Asia and the Pacific and explores how technology can cut red tape and reduce inefficiencies impacting trade. It compares the leniency and stringency of PSROs under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in terms of manufacturing requirements with those contained in ASEAN+1 free trade agreements. Assessing...
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Cities in Asia and the Pacific are expanding rapidly. With this growth, persons with disabilities, older persons, women, and children face significant challenges in accessing urban services and fully participating in city life. To address such barriers, inclusive environments are needed wherein infrastructure and services are built considering the different needs of everyone. The inclusive cities guidelines provide universal design solutions, accessibility...
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This atlas provides spatial information about Maldives and thematic maps necessary for assessing future development investments in terms of climate risks and geophysical hazards. It is also intended to support the formulation of cobeneficial options for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management. The five-volume atlas is a major output of the project "Establishing a National Geospatial Database for Mainstreaming Climate Change...
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This handbook provides nonbanking financial institutions guidance on how to manage risks associated with money laundering and the financing of terrorism. It reflects the requirements of the international standard setter in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing---the Financial Action Task Force---and is intended to serve as the basis for developing internal controls and procedures by nonbanking financial institutions to combat...
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This report provides key information about the 2020 financial operations of trust funds, global funds and special funds administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It includes an assessment of how these trust funds helped ADB's developing member countries respond to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The contribution made by the funds to the operational priorities of ADB's Strategy 2030 is also discussed.
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This final volume of the Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor 2020 sets out ADB's work so far on a new composite index called the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development Index (SME-DI) to help guide support for the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The SME-DI aims to measure MSME development and access to finance using multivariate analysis of national MSME data. The volume includes the results of testing...
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This publication analyzes the evolution of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) in Asia and the Pacific, assesses their potential risks and technical challenges, and explores their potential to improve cross-border payments and financial inclusion. Ahead of the launch of any large-scale Asian CBDC, it details various models and explores how Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, Singapore, and Thailand are taking the lead. Outlining global developments...
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Social bond markets have grown rapidly in Asia and around the world amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Today, the global social bond market is dominated by bonds that address pandemic-related social impact areas. To better understand the potential contribution of social bonds in tackling developing Asia's most urgent social issues, this study reviews the current status and recent trends of global and Asian social bond markets. It further...
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The annual Asian Development Outlook, now in its 30th year, analyzes economic performance in the past year and forecasts performance in the next 2 years for the 45 economies in Asia and the Pacific that make up developing Asia. Growth prospects in developing Asia remain strong despite persistent external headwinds responsible for moderating expansion since 2017. Global trade and economic activity weakened toward the end of 2018, slowing growth in...
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Microgrids are poised to play a big role in the electricity ecosystem of the future-with decarbonization, digitalization, decentralization, and non-wires solutions being key attributes. This handbook serves as a guide to evaluate the feasibility of microgrid systems in enhancing power supply quality and connectivity. It includes information about on-grid microgrids for urban and industrial applications, prevailing business models, and emerging trends...
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The Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor (ASM) is a knowledge-sharing product developed as a key resource for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) development policies in Asia and the Pacific. The ASM 2021 Volume IV reports on a technical exercise for developing an empirically rigorous index that measures various dimensions affecting MSME development in developing Asia.
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This publication explores Georgia's growing technology startup scene, assesses the challenges and opportunities for new ventures, and outlines ways to boost the ecosystem and help spur social and economic growth. Drawing on interviews with founders, it analyzes the prospects for tech startups in agriculture, the green economy, health, and education. It examines the government's active role and looks at funding options including venture capital. Explaining...
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Logistics plays an important role in agricultural production and supply-chain management, ultimately enhancing food safety and quality. Improvements in rural logistics help farmers to harvest and market crops more efficiently; and by facilitating communication, they serve to expand the markets for agricultural products. While recognizing the rapidly changing rural landscape in the People's Republic of China, the distribution of goods is still impeded,...
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This report profiles the roles, performance, market context, and regulatory frameworks of 13 state-owned banks in 10 Pacific countries. A key finding is the considerable business financing gap in the region, particularly for small-medium enterprises and sectors such as agriculture and fisheries. The report suggests that state-owned banks could address this demand, but would need to do so on commercial terms and without distorting local markets. These...
16) Inclusive Education With Differentiated Instruction for Children With Disabilities: A Guidance Note
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This guidance note explains how policymakers and educators can more effectively integrate children with disabilities into mainstream education and give them the individualized support they need. COVID-19 has exacerbated the situation for marginalized children with disabilities who make up around 5% of the global child population but encompass over half of those excluded from schools. Drawing on field studies from the Kyrgyz Republic, the Marshall...
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Globally, women are disproportionately impacted by climate change and disasters due to gender inequalities and limited participation in decision-making processes. Addressing this imbalance will involve integrating gender equality in laws and policies on climate change and disaster risk management and ensuring gender equality outcomes in building social and economic resilience. This report presents findings of a gender analysis of national legal and...
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The quarterly Asia Bond Monitor reviews developments in emerging East Asian local currency bond markets. The report discusses key trends in the region's bond markets, and the outlook, risks, and policy options. It covers the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; and the Republic of Korea.
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A persistently large trade finance gap is an ongoing global challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, which continue to face significant barriers to access financing. This report reflects on the Trade Finance Gaps, Growth, and Jobs Survey conducted by the Asian Development Bank since 2012. It provides insights on trade finance trends, analysis, and lessons from the past 10 years and identifies what needs to happen to make access...
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Inefficient and uncompetitive cities inhibit economic growth and inclusive development. Integrated urban planning will help stem the decline of Asian and Pacific cities, spelling the difference between a future of gloom or glory in the region. The technical assistance Establishing the Future Cities Program in the Asia and Pacific Region identifies new approaches, particularly the Future Cities approach, to address the challenges of urbanization. The...