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

Sovereign Project | 52061-001

The TA will undertake operationally-relevant analytical studies on key issues and challenges faced by countries in South Asia Department. It will allow ADB to respond to the client countries' demand for knowledge support; identify crucial and immediate investment requirements; and promptly translate these identified projects into lending operation, thereby accelerating their development impact.

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Asanova, Jazira
    South Asia Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Regional
  • Sector
    • Public sector management
Project Name Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia
Project Number 52061-001
Country / Economy Regional
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Sri Lanka
Project Status Active
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
TA 9586-REG: Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia
Technical Assistance Special Fund US$ 4.50 million
Republic of Korea e-Asia and Knowledge Partnership Fund US$ 500,000.00
Strategic Agendas Inclusive economic growth
Regional integration
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Governance and capacity development
Knowledge solutions
Partnerships
Sector / Subsector

Industry and trade / Industry and trade sector development

Public sector management / Economic affairs management - Public administration

Gender Some gender elements
Description The TA will undertake operationally-relevant analytical studies on key issues and challenges faced by countries in South Asia Department. It will allow ADB to respond to the client countries' demand for knowledge support; identify crucial and immediate investment requirements; and promptly translate these identified projects into lending operation, thereby accelerating their development impact.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy South Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in the world and has become a global growth driver with its strong performance in 2017. Despite the robust growth, however, South Asia, being home to a quarter of the world's population, accounts for only 3% of global gross domestic product and remains beset by multiple development challenges. To overcome these challenges and to sustain the momentum for inclusive economic growth, there has been an increasing demand from DMCs in South Asia for well-thought out programs and evidence-based policies guided by rigorous analytical and technical studies. DMCs also seek assistance in identifying potential areas and exploring new strategies that would enhance economic growth and generate much-needed employment, especially in economically-lagging regions.
Impact

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

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Knowledge solutions adopted by SASEC countries

Progress Toward Outcome Preparatory activities for analytical studies have been initiated. Some are completed.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Integrated and multi-disciplinary knowledge solutions created

Knowledge sharing and learning events enhanced

Translation of knowledge solutions into project pipeline strengthened

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

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.

Geographical Location Bangladesh - Nation-wide; Bhutan - Nation-wide; India - Nation-wide; Maldives - Nation-wide; Nepal - Nation-wide; Sri Lanka - Nation-wide
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects
Involuntary Resettlement
Indigenous Peoples
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design
During Project Implementation
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services ADB will engage a number of individual consultants for the implementation of TA activities. ADB will engage the consultants and carry out procurement following the ADB Procurement Policy (2017, as amended from time to time) and its associated project administration instructions and/or staff instructions.
Procurement Not applicable
Responsible ADB Officer Asanova, Jazira
Responsible ADB Department South Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division Operations Coordination Unit, SARD (SAOC)
Executing Agencies
Asian Development Bank
Timetable
Concept Clearance 27 Apr 2018
Fact Finding -
MRM -
Approval 12 Sep 2018
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 24 Oct 2023

TA 9586-REG

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
12 Sep 2018 - 12 Sep 2018 31 Aug 2021 31 Dec 2024 -
Financing Plan/TA Utilization Cumulative Disbursements
ADB Cofinancing Counterpart Total Date Amount
Gov Beneficiaries Project Sponsor Others
4,500,000.00 500,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,000,000.00 29 Jan 2024 4,137,319.10

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.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Title Document Type Document Date
Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia: Technical Assistance Report Technical Assistance Reports Sep 2018

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.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

Tender Title Type Status Posting Date Deadline
TA Coordinator Individual - Consulting Closed
Program Coordinator Individual - Consulting Closed
Research Associate Individual - Consulting Closed
Writer/Editor Individual - Consulting Closed
Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia - Analyzing & Visualizing National Poverty Data for Inclusive Development Planning (Research Specialist: Data Visualization) Individual - Consulting Closed
International Tax Policy and Administration Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
National Data Scientist for Nepali Socio-Economic District Data Profiles Individual - Consulting Closed
Research Analyst Individual - Consulting Closed
Legal Consultant Individual - Consulting Closed
Governance and Public Financial Management Reforms Individual - Consulting Closed
Gas and Oil Sector Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Tourism Security Consultant Individual - Consulting Closed
Financial Sector Reform and Investment Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Research Analyst Individual - Consulting Closed
Tourism Policy Consultant Individual - Consulting Closed
Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia – Marine and Liveaboards Consultant Individual - Consulting Closed
Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia - Environmental Planner Individual - Consulting Closed
Tourism Business Development and Economic Planning Consultant Individual - Consulting Closed
Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia – Socio-Cultural Development Consultant Individual - Consulting Closed
Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia –Tourism Marketing and Product Development and Innovation Consultant Individual - Consulting Closed
Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia – Human Resource Development Consultant Individual - Consulting Closed
Tourism Strategy Specialist (Team Lead) Individual - Consulting Closed
Logistics Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Consulting Firm: Pension Reform in Bhutan Firm - Consulting Closed
Financial Inclusion Expert (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) Individual - Consulting Closed
Economist Individual - Consulting Closed
Trade Facilitation Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Customs Automation Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Supply Chain Mapping Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia (Macro Economist) Individual - Consulting Closed
Strategic Planning and Evaluation Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Logistics Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Economist Individual - Consulting Closed
Economist Individual - Consulting Closed
Team Leader Individual - Consulting Closed
Planning and Urban Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Economic and Industrial Development Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Planning and Urban Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Environment Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Team Leader Individual - Consulting Closed
Finance Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Infrastructure Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Senior Road Safety Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Administrative Assistant Individual - Consulting Closed
Logistics Policy Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Logistics Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
TVET Economist Individual - Consulting Closed
TVET Public Policy Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
TVET Research Expert Individual - Consulting Closed
Research Analyst Individual - Consulting Closed
Regional Cooperation Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Knowledge Management Assistant/Analyst Individual - Consulting Closed
Research Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Web Content Editor Individual - Consulting Closed
Web Administrator Individual - Consulting Closed
Senior Dam and Tunnel Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Senior Hydraulic Structures Specialist and Quantitiy Surveyor Individual - Consulting Closed
Trade Facilitation Coordinating Analyst Individual - Consulting Closed
Regional Cooperation Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Regional Cooperation Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Water Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Custom Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Highway Engineer Individual - Consulting Closed
Social and resettlement specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Environmental Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
Research Specialist: Digital Technology Individual - Consulting Closed
Research Analyst Individual - Consulting Closed
Web Content Manager Individual - Consulting Closed
SASEC Web Administrator and Developer Individual - Consulting Closed
Economist Individual - Consulting Closed
Trade Facilitation Coordinating Analyst Individual - Consulting Closed
Economist Individual - Consulting Closed
Economist Individual - Consulting Closed

Contracts Awarded

Contract Title Approval Number Contract Date Contractor | Address Executing Agency Total Contract Amount (US$) Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$)
Research and Development Technical Assistance Technical Assistance 9586 22 Oct 2021 Callund Consulting Limited (U.K.) | 154 Victoria Road, Wargrave Berkshire RG10 8AJ3 United Kingdom Asian Development Bank 180,832.00

Procurement Plan

None currently available.