COVID-19 | BIMP-EAGA

The Philippines’ Social Amelioration Program (SAP) sought to cover 18 million poor and vulnerable households. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

How COVID-19 Cash Grants Reached the Poor in the Philippines

October 04, 2021

A case study examines how an ambitious program of delivering cash assistance to 18 million households was carried out.

Brunei River Cruise. Photo credit: Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Brunei Darussalam.

Domestic Tourism Gets a Boost from Brunei’s Social Media Challenge

October 04, 2021

Selera Bruneiku encourages local tourists to sample the cuisine and attractions of Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait, and Temburong.

Telecommunication tower with 5G cellular network antenna. Photo credit: iStock/Kinwun.

ASEAN’s Share in Global FDI Growing Despite COVID-19

September 09, 2021

Foreign investments in the digital economy, including Industry 4.0 technologies, and infrastructure remain strong.

Mindanao-Based Freight Shipping Line to Start US Service

August 27, 2021

Reefer Express Line Filipinas, Inc. says the direct service will serve manufacturers struggling to find ways to ship their goods during the pandemic.

expanding the tax base, maximizing tax compliance, and simplifying the compliance process will significantly boost governments’ revenue and better position them to finance pandemic recovery.

Tax Reforms Can Help Finance Southeast Asia’s Pandemic Recovery

August 16, 2021

An Asian Development Bank report recommends policies for strengthening domestic resource mobilization to support a resilient recovery.

BIMP-EAGA organizes trade fairs to showcase products from the subregion.

Tax Agreement to Strengthen Economic Ties between Brunei and Philippines

August 06, 2021

The two countries have signed an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of income tax evasion.

Mindanao Barter Trade Persisted in 2020 despite COVID-19 Restrictions

August 03, 2021

Traders are uniquely positioned to adapt to shocks, says Asia Foundation report.

Renewed COVID-19 Outbreaks Slow Recovery in Developing Asia

July 21, 2021

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) lowered its growth outlook for the region this year, including for Southeast Asia. Developing Asia is projected to grow by 7.2% instead of 7.3% in 2021 as renewed COVID-19 outbreaks slowed economic recovery. The growth outlook for 2022 is upgraded to 5.4% from 5.3%.

Southeast Asia Faces GDP Loss of 8.4% in 2021 as COVID-19 Roils Tourism

July 15, 2021

Countries urged to restore travelers' confidence, mitigate socioeconomic impacts on livelihoods, and prepare for the long term.

North Luzon Expressway Rehabilitation and Expansion Project in the Philippines. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

How Can SDG Bonds Attract Green Infrastructure Financing?

July 06, 2021

The Asian Development Bank is proposing a new kind of bond to support a green, resilient, and inclusive recovery.