Regional : Supporting Knowledge Solutions for New Development Strategies in South Asia
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
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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 |
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Project Status | Active | ||||||
Project Type / Modality of Assistance | Technical Assistance |
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Source of Funding / Amount |
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Strategic Agendas | Inclusive economic growth Regional integration |
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Drivers of Change | Gender Equity and Mainstreaming Governance and capacity development Knowledge solutions Partnerships |
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Sector / Subsector |
Industry and trade / Industry and trade sector development Public sector management / Economic affairs management - Public administration |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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Environmental Aspects | |
Involuntary Resettlement | |
Indigenous Peoples | |
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation | |
During Project Design | |
During Project Implementation |
Business Opportunities | |
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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 | Regional Cooperation and Integration Unit, SARD (SARC) |
Executing Agencies |
Asian Development Bank |
Timetable | |
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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 | |||||
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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 | |||||||
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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 | 30 Nov 2023 | 3,895,790.86 |
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 |
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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.
Related Publications
Title | Document Type | Document Date |
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Maharashtra Rural High Voltage Distribution System Expansion Program | Papers and Briefs | Aug 2023 |
Green and Resilient Affordable Housing Sector Project | Papers and Briefs | May 2023 |
Sri Lanka: Integrated Road Investment Program | Papers and Briefs | Apr 2023 |
Earthquake-Resilient Schools in Nepal | Papers and Briefs | Jun 2022 |
The Karnataka Urban Development and Coastal Environmental Management Project | Papers and Briefs | Mar 2022 |
Powering a Learning Society During an Age of Disruption | Books | May 2021 |
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
Contracts Awarded
Contract Title | Approval Number | Contract Date | Contractor | Address | Executing Agency | Total Contract Amount (US$) | Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$) |
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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.