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

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. Several proposals have been recently approved and will be initiated from mid to late 2021. Among the key activities targeted to be implemented are review of pension reform in Bhutan; dissemination of gender equality and social inclusion diagnostic of selected sectors in Nepal and Bangladesh; dissemination study on economic costs of gender-based violence; supporting knowledge management action plan covering projects in South Asia; road map to scale up solar photo-voltaic pumping in Bangladesh; and Maldives tourism plan.

The cumulative outputs of the TA are discussed below.

Output 1: Integrated and multidisciplinary knowledge solutions created

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.

Several analytical reports as identified by governments are either completed or ongoing. 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. 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. Due to the current pandemic, countries have requested to extend the completion date of the Road Safety studies to 2021; consultancy work is ongoing and completion is targeted by end of June 2021. Work has been initiated and is continuing for a study on India urbanization; Digital Transformation in India and South Asia; and South Asia Tax Systems. For Sri Lanka, a diagnostic study on constraints to economic growth and inclusiveness; and empirical analysis on the country's macroeconomic policy are being undertaken.

Relevant literature and data have been gathered for completed analytical studies including those presented at the SARD Economists' Workshop held in August 2019 such as 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. Consultants have also undertaken literature reviews and are finalizing reports for the study on East Asian technical and vocational education and training models.

Output 2. Knowledge sharing, dissemination and learning events enhanced

The Special Meeting on Regional Economic Integration Study Phase II was held in June 2019 to disseminate the results of analytical studies.

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

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. Implementation of communications plans for Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Projects is still ongoing.