The 2013 Development Effectiveness Review (DEfR) is the seventh annual performance review of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the first to apply the revised corporate results framework. The DEfR uses the 89 performance indicators of the revised framework to assess progress in implementing...

After 3 years of historic reforms, Myanmar has entered a pivotal stage in its socioeconomic development. Natural, cultural, and demographic advantages are positioning the country for long-term success, but many challenges and potential pitfalls lie ahead. This publication examines how to...

This publication is an assessment of the subsector’s major trends, strengths, and issues, focusing on formal skills development programs operated by the General Department of Vocational Training of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. It...

In a fast-paced world where information, resources, and markets are within reach with a swipe of a finger, access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) is essential to business development and growth. This study assesses the need for and use of ICTs by women entrepreneurs in...

This publication reviews recent developments in East Asian local currency bond markets along with theoutlook, risks, and policy options. It covers the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus the People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; and the Republic of Korea.

The Bangladesh Quarterly Economic Update (QEU) has been produced by the Bangladesh Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank since March 2001. The QEU provides information and analysis on Bangladesh’s macroeconomic and sector developments, key development challenges, and policy and...

This report summarizes the results of the Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) in Urbanization workshop held in Beijing in August 2013. The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Finance, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the PPP Research...

From 15–18 November 2013, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chief justices and their designees convened in Bangkok, Thailand for their third roundtable on environment with the theme “ASEAN’s Environmental Challenges and Legal Responses.” Distinguished speakers and the...

This report presents the case studies of the People’s Republic of China, India, Indonesia and Kazakhstan in their knowledge-based economy approaches. It identifies a range of policies and initiatives that these economies need to consider to strengthen innovation led growth and make a...

Rapid advances in information and communication technology (ICT) continue to create tremendous opportunities for economic and social gains in the world’s poorest areas. A key infrastructure of knowledgebased economies. ICT is a driving force for rapidly growing new sectors. The Strategy 2020...