Trade and Investment Facilitation

A grocery in Singapore. Photo credit: ADB.

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Enters into Force for Indonesia

January 13, 2023

Thirteen of the 15 original parties have ratified the agreement.
A health worker inoculating a patient with the COVID-19 vaccine.

ASEAN Leaders Vow to Sustain Recovery amid Challenges

December 06, 2022

Leaders want countries to brace for headwinds from COVID-19, supply chain disruptions, food shortage, climate change, and other threats.
Economic zone programs have helped countries in Southeast Asia move from agriculture to export-oriented manufacturing. Photo credit: iStock/faidzzainal.

A Coopetition Strategy for Special Economic Zones in BIMP-EAGA

November 25, 2022

An Asian Development Bank study shows how the subregion can create a single market and production base through cooperation and competition.
Electric bus in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo credit: iStock/Samsul.

Electric Vehicles, Electronics, and the Digital Economy Drive FDI Flows to ASEAN

October 12, 2022

Growing investor interest in these key industries helps boost foreign direct investments to near pre-pandemic levels in 2021.
Technicians at a wind and solar Farm in the Philippines. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Building the ASEAN Power Grid: Opportunities and Challenges

September 22, 2022

Interconnecting power grids in the region is a key strategy in strengthening energy security and transitioning to renewables through efficient resource sharing.
An AirAsia airplane parked at an airport in Indonesia.

BIMP-EAGA Strives to Restore Air and Sea Links in the Wake of the Pandemic

September 21, 2022

Some services have already resumed and efforts are underway to revive more.
Port of Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Photo credit: iStock/ClaudineVM.

Indonesia Applies Single Submission of Quarantine and Customs Documents to 14 Ports

September 02, 2022

The scheme includes key ports in Sulawesi and Kalimantan.
A view of a container port in Viet Nam.

Philippines Needs to Spur Implementation of Paperless Trade

June 22, 2022

Digitalization of transactions is expected to reduce trade costs and enhance the country’s competitiveness.
Women making cassava chips in Indonesia.

Big Opportunities for BIMP-EAGA in $3-Trillion Global Muslim Market

July 21, 2022

The 2025 growth forecast sees uptrend in halal finance, food, fashion, travel, and cosmetics, as well as pharmaceuticals, media, and recreations.
Philippine Airlines launches direct flights between Cotabato City and Tawi-Tawi on 9 June 2022. Photo credit: Mindanao Development Authority.

Things Are Looking Up for Tawi-Tawi

July 11, 2022

Direct flights and new infrastructure projects move Tawi-Tawi closer to becoming an important gateway for Muslim Mindanao to other parts of BIMP-EAGA.