Catalog

	Table of Contents
p. 18 of 23 BACK | NEXT Executive Summary I. Introduction II. The Information Revolution III. Need for an ADB Strategic Approach for ICT IV. Strategic Thrusts V. Proposed Action Plan A. Undertake E-Readiness Assessment B. Integrate ICT Applications in ADB’s Activities C. Promote Partnerships D. Establish a Center for Learning, Information, Communication, and Knowledge for Asia and the Pacific VI. Implications for ADB

Toward E-Development in Asia and the Pacific: A Strategic Approach for Information and Communication Technology : V. Proposed Action Plan

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C. Promote Partnerships

39. Many important ICT initiatives have already been implemented by different agencies at national, regional, and international levels in the Asia and Pacific region. ADB must forge close relationships with existing initiatives and develop strategic alliances and partnerships with them (e.g., ITU, UNDP, UNESCO, World Bank) to share and disseminate knowledge to enhance coordination efforts for better development assistance. For example in Asia, the recently established E-ASEAN—with its three components, namely economy, society, and government—shares the ICT-related objectives and goals of ADB and can be a strategic partner. ADB can help ASEAN share information with poorer and/or isolated DMCs to assess the adequacy of ICT infrastructure, human resources, and policies; to elaborate an appropriate awareness-building program for all segments of society to promote ICT and its role in development; and to develop appropriate recommendations for promoting E-commerce and E-government. By sharing information, knowledge, and expertise, through regional and subregional cooperation, DMCs should also be able to amplify their domestic development efforts.

40. To support ICT-development and related infrastructure investments, ADB with appropriate lending mechanisms can foster a dynamic climate for entrepreneurs and help DMCs establish principles of effective publicprivate sector partnerships and networks. This will also facilitate access and exchange of information between government, civil society, NGOs, private sector, and ICT industries to design adequate projects, incorporating, for example, governance aspects required for E-finance and E-commerce.

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