Regional : Strategic Partnerships for Policy Development and Action to Foster Regional Cooperation in South Asia

Sovereign Project | 42104-012

To support policy related research on both sensitive and cutting edge issues of strategic importance to South Asian countries. The research will be on topics that are of critical relevance to the economic, environmental and social stability of the region.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Iyengar, Kavita Srinivas
    South Asia Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Regional
  • Modality
  • Sector
    • Public sector management
Project Name Strategic Partnerships for Policy Development and Action to Foster Regional Cooperation in South Asia
Project Number 42104-012
Country / Economy Regional
Project Status Closed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
TA 6472-REG: Strategic Partnerships for Policy Development and Action to Foster Regional Cooperation in South Asia
Regional Cooperation and Integration Fund US$ 700,000.00
Strategic Agendas Inclusive economic growth
Regional integration
Drivers of Change Partnerships
Private sector development
Sector / Subsector

Finance / Finance sector development

Industry and trade / Industry and trade sector development

Public sector management / Economic affairs management

Gender
Description To support policy related research on both sensitive and cutting edge issues of strategic importance to South Asian countries. The research will be on topics that are of critical relevance to the economic, environmental and social stability of the region.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

RCSP (2006-2008); ADB Strategy 2020.

Impact

Greater economic and social stability in South Asia .

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Strengthened knowledgebased collaboration among South Asian policy makers, researchers, and private sector partners to address national and regional development issues

Progress Toward Outcome

The RETA objective was to strengthen knowledge-based collaboration

among South Asian researchers, policymakers, and private sector investors to address national and regional development issues by partnering with knowledge institutions. Research critical to regional trade in goods and services and promotion of private-sector led development was designed as Track II initiatives. Studies topics were identified in close consultation with the Government and consultations took place with a wide range of stakeholders in the region.

Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

1. Four studies prepared outlining opportunities for accelerating regional collaboration

2. Studies and/or analysis disseminated, experiences shared, and policy impact assessed

and discussed

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)

In 2010, Research and Information Systems (RIS), New Delhi, led three sets of studies in collaborations with institutions across South Asia: (i) Developing Economic Corridors in South Asia; (ii) Deepening the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement, and (iii) Expanding Regional Trade in South Asia with Global Production Network. Dissemination seminars were held in New Delhi, Colombo, Dhaka, and Kathmandu, with private sector and government agencies. Publication of the first two studies was initiated.

The second phase was initiated with two new institutions in middle of 2011 and an LoA was subsequently signed with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) for a study on Strengthening the Textile and Clothing Sector in South Asia. ICRIER partnered with five institutions in the region for the study which examined firms' strategies that have led to upward mobility in the value chains in the post-MFA period. Five country studies based on analyses of secondary data, case studies of leading firms and stakeholder consultations fed into the final report. Two workshops were held in 2012 in New Delhi.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) undertook two sets of studies with a netork of researchers and policymakers across South Asia to prepare regional reports on: (i) Development Impact of Trade and FDI in South Asian Countries, and (ii) Potential Supply Chain in South Asia in Leather, and (iii) Potential Supply Chain in South Asia in the Agriculture Sector. A regional consultation seminar was held in Dhaka in May 2012 for the Agriculture study and in September 2012 in Chennai for the Leather study after which a SAARC Leather Manufacturers Association was established.

Publication of all studies is planned under other knowledge TAs.

Geographical Location Regional
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects
Involuntary Resettlement
Indigenous Peoples
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design In several South Asian countries
During Project Implementation In several South Asian countries
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services

The TA will require 6 person-months of international and 12 person-months of national consulting services on intermittent basis that will be hired as individual consultants according to ADB's Guidelines on the Use of Consultants (2007, as amended from time to time).

The international consultant is a development specialist with working experience on issues related to international trade, environment, regional cooperation and private sector/SME development. The consultant should be familiar with the work of research institutes in South Asia and has a good understanding of the political, institutional, and operational mechanisms for promoting regional cooperation in South Asia.

The national consultant is a coordination specialist responsible for assisting ADB and the international development specialist in coordinating and supervising all activities under the TA. The consultant will provide inputs intermittently and/or part-time, as required.

Responsible ADB Officer Iyengar, Kavita Srinivas
Responsible ADB Department South Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division India Resident Mission (INRM)
Executing Agencies
Asian Development Bank
Timetable
Concept Clearance 29 Apr 2008
Fact Finding 06 May 2008 to 09 May 2008
MRM -
Approval 25 Jul 2008
Last Review Mission -
PDS Creation Date 26 May 2008
Last PDS Update 22 Apr 2014

TA 6472-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
25 Jul 2008 - 25 Jul 2008 31 Aug 2010 31 Mar 2013 10 Jun 2014
Financing Plan/TA Utilization Cumulative Disbursements
ADB Cofinancing Counterpart Total Date Amount
Gov Beneficiaries Project Sponsor Others
700,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 700,000.00 17 Jun 2022 548,913.59

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

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Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

None currently available.


Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.



The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

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Tenders

No tenders for this project were found.

Contracts Awarded

No contracts awarded for this project were found

Procurement Plan

None currently available.