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

The completion date of the TA has been extended to 31 August 2023. A number of activities are ongoing till end of 2022 with possible spillover to early 2023. 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 ongoing and due to the current pandemic, countries have requested to extend the completion dates approved activities. In Bhutan a review of the pension reform is ongoing. Activities on governance and financial management reforms; domestic revenue mobilization and publishing a road map to scale up solar photovoltaic pumping are being undertaken in Bangladesh. In India, knowledge sharing is being supported for green hydrogen development in the country. Maldives' tourism plan is under review and an up-to-date plan is being prepared. Several activities in Nepal are being implemented covering industrial policy review and LDC graduation strategy; analysis and visualization of poverty data for inclusive development planning; and customs reforms and modernization strategy and action plan. Bangladesh and Maldives are working on the strengthening of tax policy and administration. Region-wide activities cover studies on road safety in SASEC; South Asia tax systems; mobilizing financial sector reform and investment; and lessons on East Asian TVET models.

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. A study on Powering Learning Societies During an Age of Disruption was published and emphasized that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic provided an opportunity to build education systems that are stronger and more equitable in Asia and the Pacific. The Pre-feasibility study for municipal solid waste management (SWM) was completed for Hadidwar and Rishikesh in India and involved review of environmental and social frameworks and household survey, specifically to identify opportunities in SWM in the two pilot cities. For Sri Lanka, a diagnostic study on constraints to economic growth and inclusiveness; and empirical analysis on the country's macroeconomic policy were undertaken.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. Similarly, Nepal is launching and dissemination the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Diagnostic of Selected Sectors. The logistics study in Nepal is winding down and final reports are targeted by end of 2022.

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 (GE/D/DD) was undertaken in Bangladesh.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 on 12, 25-26 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 16-27 September 2019; Environmental Cooperation Forum in November 2019; and Conference on Safe Mobility and Regional Connectivity in SASEC Subregion in January 2020._To enhance the capacity of government agencies on analytical research, a Strategic Planning Workshop for High Tech Agriculture Education and Research in Bangladesh was held on 1-2 July 2019.

Output 3. Translation of knowledge solutions into project pipeline strengthened

Ongoing Activities

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 an expanded plan for video development is now under review prior to development.

Completed Activities

Support was provided to activities that analyze the results of analytical studies to identify potential projects. Results analysis has been completed for the identification of trade and customs facilities in Bangladesh borders, while the impact analysis for the SASEC Dhaka-Sylhet Corridor Road Project is almost complete. 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.