Countries and Regions

	Table of Contents
p. 6 of 20 BACK | NEXT I. Introduction II. Background and Rationale III. Economic and Social Trends IV. Program Review - Lessons Learned V. Strategic Directions of the GMS Program for 2001-2003 A. Strategic Thrusts for 2000-2002 B. Overall Program Strategy for 2001-2003 C.Linkage with the Country Assistance Plans VI. Sector Properties and Proposed Program for 2001-2003 VII. ADB's Operational Program VIII. Coordination with Donor Agencies and Regional Institutions IX. Cofinancing and Catalyzing External Resources

GMS Assistance Plan : V. Strategic Directions of the GMS Program for 2001-2003

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A. Strategic Thrusts for 2000-2002

29. The strategic thrusts of the GMS-AP for the period 2000-2002 addressed a precarious and volatile environment brought about by the economic crisis. There was recognition on the part of the GMS countries that regional cooperation could create the opportunities to help the affected countries recover from the adverse consequences of the crisis. The five strategic thrusts of the GMS-AP for 2000-2002 were thus directed at: (i) advancing the implementation of priority subregional projects to stimulate demand, create jobs, and enhance the competitiveness of the GMS countries; (ii) focusing on the policy and regulatory aspects of subregional cooperation to improve the policy environment and stimulate further economic activity; (iii) promoting partnerships in public-private sector project finance in the face of financial difficulties at that time; (iv) building national capacities for the management of the GMS Program; and (v) development of economic corridors to enhance production potential and to contribute to the economic reform process. While responding to the immediate challenges brought about by the crisis, these strategies served at the same time to lay the groundwork for recovery.

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