Trade and Investment

ADB, Gojek to Study Digitization, COVID-19 Impact on Indonesian MSMEs

December 03, 2020

The joint research project will use the Gojek digital ecosystem to study the benefits of business digitization on Indonesia's micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Finding Gold in Cacao

December 01, 2020

The development of agricultural value chains can help turn cacao into a cash crop for farmers in the southern Philippines.

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.

Products displayed at a BIMP-EAGA trade fair include halal-certified sardines from the Philippines.

Tapping into the Halal Market

September 29, 2020

Ecozone developers revive efforts to make Mindanao a major halal food producer.

Regional Cooperation Programs Like ASEAN Helped Spur Asia’s Growth

September 29, 2020

Regional cooperation is credited for contributing to Asia’s success story, helping countries work together in times of prosperity and crises.

The ASEAN-wide Self-Certification Scheme is expected to benefit particularly the small manufacturers and traders that have had difficulty getting the proper documents to avail of preferential tariff under the trade agreement. Photo credit: iStock/Bastian Saputra.

ASEAN Simplifies Trade Procedures for Exporters

September 22, 2020

Self-certification scheme improves ease of doing business while lowering costs.

Farmers and fishermen saw their income drop by 60% during the COVID-19 crisis. Photo credit: ADB.

Self-Employed, Agriculture Workers Suffer Deepest Cuts in Income

September 18, 2020

A survey of 8,000 households in Southeast Asia shows household businesses and the self-employed are the most affected, followed by farmers and fishermen.