Regional : Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia

Industry and trade / Industry and trade sector development

Public sector management / Economic affairs management - Public administration

Inclusive economic growth and regional economic integration among SASEC countries improved and sustained

Knowledge solutions adopted by SASEC countries

Integrated and multi-disciplinary knowledge solutions created

Knowledge sharing and learning events enhanced

Translation of knowledge solutions into project pipeline strengthened

Request for the extension of the TA completion date to 31 December 2024 was approved on 18 July 2023. A number of activities are ongoing as of end of August 2023 with possible spillover to 2024 with the approval of the TA extension. The cumulative outputs of the TA are discussed below.

Output1: Integrated and multidisciplinary knowledge solutions created

Ongoing Activities

Several analytical reports as identified by governments are still ongoing. A publication on a road map to scale up solar photovoltaic pumping in Bangladesh is being prepared. Knowledge-sharing is being supported for India's green hydrogen development. Two reports on Maldives' tourism plan have been completed. In Nepal, analysis and visualization of poverty data are undertaken to support inclusive development planning. Region-wide activities cover studies on diagnostic work on digital technologies; mobilizing financial sector reform and investment; and macroeconomic research and trade and investment reviews.

Completed Activities

Activities supporting issues identified by governments from South Asia were completed. Consultation meeting with governments was undertaken to identify the countries' demand for analytical work during the South Asia Economic Summit (SAES) XII held in Colombo, Sri Lanka in September 2019.

In Bhutan, a review of the pension reform has been undertaken; and a proposal on reform of the pension system, framework document on asset segretation, comprehensive framework on investment management and a draft ADB policy brief were the results of the pension reform review. A review of governance and financial management reforms mapped out ongoing and future programs and projects of the government in selected South Asian countries. The Pre-feasibility study for municipal solid waste management (MSWM) for Hadidwar and Rishikesh in India involved review of environmental and social frameworks and household survey, specifically to identify opportunities in SWM in the two pilot cities. The customs reforms and modernization strategy and action plan, and industrial policy and least development graduation strategy for Nepal were reviewed. For Sri Lanka, a diagnostic study on constraints to economic growth and inclusiveness; and empirical analysis on the country's macroeconomic policy-trilemma and policy implications were undertaken. Region-wide activities covering studies on road safety in SASEC; trade and regional economic integration in South Asia, South Asia tax systems; and lessons on East Asian TVET models were completed. A study on Powering Learning Societies During an Age of Disruption and Working Together for Development Results - Lessons from ADB and Civil Society Organization Engagement in South Asia were published. Several representatives from India Logistics Unit visited ADB and joined a SASS session as part of a study tour.

Relevant literature and data have been gathered for completed analytical studies including those presented at the SARD Economists' Workshop held in August 2019; research on intraregional investment flow in South Asia; simulated study on solar ice solution in Landhoo Island, Maldives; and analysis of thematic sector issues on India.

Output 2. Knowledge sharing, dissemination and learning events enhanced

Ongoing Activities

Bhutan's dissemination of the study on Economic Costs of Gender-based Violence is now ongoing. Activities for the finalization of Transgender and Hijra (Intersex) Persons' Rights Protection Act in Bangladesh are being implemented. Nepal is launching and disseminating the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Diagnostic of Selected Sectors.

Completed Activities

The Special Meeting on Regional Economic Integration Study Phase II was held in June 2019 to disseminate the results of analytical studies. Dissemination of gender equality diagnostics of selected sectors was undertaken in Bangladesh. The logistics study in Nepal was completed and reports have been prepared.

Countries learned from experiences of more advanced countries through participation in ADB -funded conferences, workshops, and study visits. Completed events include: study visit to strengthen the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority Training Center, establish Research Center, and an integrated water operations center in Bangladesh;

Envisioning India 2030: Urbanization and Structural Transformation event in February 2019; Knowledge Event at Korea Water Resources Corporation in March 2019; Meeting of the SASEC Nodal Officials and Working Groups in March 2019; Resilient Atoll Nations in Productive Oceans High Level Dialogue and Knowledge Sharing Event in August 2019; Asia Network on Corporate Governance of State-owned Enterprise in September 2019; Inclusive Resilient and Sustainable Housing and Communities Cooperation in September 2019; Environmental Cooperation Forum in November 2019; Conference on Safe Mobility and Regional Connectivity in SASEC Subregion in January 2020; and Nepal Infrastructure Summit 2022;

To enhance the capacity of government agencies on analytical research, several workshops were held such as: Strategic Planning Workshop for High Tech Agriculture Education and Research in Bangladesh was held in July 2019; Nepal logistics study, Nepal women leadership summit in March 2023; and Bhutan International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) 2023.

Output 3. Translation of knowledge solutions into project pipeline strengthened

Ongoing Activities

An institutional specialist and translator are onboard to work on the processing of Nepal 55002 and another specialist is undertaking supportive work for the Bangladesh logistics sector. Knowledge management activities in support of SAOD Knowledge Management Action Plan cover the development of knowledge management database and portal website; innovation project briefs; development of KM toolkit; and capacity building for TED-talk style talks. Implementation of a communication plan for Kathmandu Valley Water supply project was rescheduled and video development is now under review.

Completed Activities

Support was provided to activities that analyze the results of analytical studies to identify potential projects. Results have been analyzed for the identification of trade and customs facilities in Bangladesh borders, while the impact analysis for the SASEC Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Project was also completed. Project information reports were prepared for the Sri Lanka irrigation review: Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program. The consultants reviewed the scope, design, and cost. They confirmed that appropriate national and international best practices were being applied and requirements of applicable government environmental clearances are being met.