Leveraging Information and Communication Technology for Development

“ICT for Development” leverages information and communication technology to propel economic and social progress in developing countries.

ICT has already transformed the financial services, media, retail, and telecommunications sectors. Through the globalization it simultaneously feeds on and accelerates, it is reshaping societies, economies, and governments worldwide.

Remittances and Financial Inclusion: A Policy and Regulatory Approach

The volume of remittance inflows in the Philippines continues to grow. In 2014, remittances channeled through the banking system reached US$24.3 billion, or 8.5% of the country's gross domestic product. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees this is an opportunity for inclusive growth. It has fostered financial inclusion through policy initiatives that enable more Filipinos to gain effective access to a wide range of financial services that could help them manage unforeseen financial shocks and increase their savings and investments.

State-Owned Enterprise and Public Sector Reforms

Pacific state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are often formed to increase service delivery effectiveness and accountability. Historical and financial indicators, however, show that long-term government ownership of SOEs often result in outcomes counter to these goals. Asian Development Bank’s study of SOE performance in the Pacific emphasizes political commitment to reform as a key driver for commercial results.

Economic Corridor Development: Putting Concept into Action

ADB's Manoj Sharma discusses the Visakhapatnam–Chennai Industrial Corridor Development Program, comprised of a multitranche financing facility, a policy-based loan, an urban climate change resilience grant, and technical assistance to India. The project will stimulate growth through infrastructure investments, policy reforms, and institutional development.

This video covers the full session of Insight Thursday, ADB’s in-house knowledge sharing series.

Session Video - On the Margins of Development: Asia Pacific LGBT Inclusion Poverty Reduction and Prosperity

Gender equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people is usually viewed through a human rights lens, but equality and inclusion of LGBT people are also important economic development issues. This seminar, involving a panel of experts, explored some of these issues and their implications for development work in the Asia and Pacific region.

Philippines: LGBT (now) in Business

Brian Tenorio is the Chair of the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce. He is also CEO and Founder of Kape Coffee Company and Tenorium Enterprise, also International Consultant for Branding and Design at the Asian Development Bank ealth Organization.



In this ADB seminar, he discussed the positive business outcomes of LGBT-inclusive employment policies and business practices.