The Asia and Pacific region is party to 109 ratified free trade agreements, and with more being negotiated. The rise of mega-regionals suggests that the world trade system is fragmenting to appear more like a jigsaw puzzle than a spaghetti bowl. The time is ripe to seriously consider multilateralization of preferences.

This presentation features the story of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the need to focus on logistics services. The nexus between trade and growth is also explained. It discusses why well-functioning supply chains are important for trade, and how to facilitate as well as manage risks and vulnerabilities in supply chains.

This presentation defines the concept of Output-Based Aid (OBA). It examines in detail the six core concepts that define OBA and explains how the typical OBA structure demonstrates the application of these concepts. It also discusses how to identify if the OBA scheme is suitable for a project.

Governments should consider a number of issues related to investment, procurement, and governance when handling infrastructure project proposals that are either public-private partnership (PPP) or non-PPP in nature. This presentation also examines the key challenges for urban PPPs. Realities and concerns on PPPs are discussed.

The presentation shares a number of ways on how to embed disaster resilience in green city-related initiatives. It enumerates the benefits of making disaster-resilient urban investments. Asian Development Bank's approach to disaster risk management is also discussed.

Learn the “why” and “how” of using clean energy to improve green buildings. The demand side of ADB’s investment in energy efficiency, and the drivers as well as the barriers in green building development are discussed. The ADB Headquarters is featured as a sample project.

This presentation lists down the goals in achieving sustainable solid waste management. It examines the enormous task of siting waste disposal sites. An overall strategic approach to waste siting is suggested.

A solid waste management (SWM) baseline survey was undertaken in 2012 to (i) derive systematic and comprehensive data and information on SWM in Nepal; (ii) compare Nepal’s SWM status with other countries; and (iii) identify challenges and policy recommendations. Results of the survey, which the presentation shares, were subsequently published.

Treatment and disposal methods were major deficiencies in the solid waste management of India’s Mumbai City. Creating a comprehensive solution that addresses the management of wastes in the long term is needed. A detailed study commenced in July 2005 to develop an integrated treatment and disposal plan for Mumbai.

Adoption of solid waste (SW) management practices is urgently needed in Southeast Asia. Effective SW management can provide economic benefits, especially with waste-to-energy methods. Different SW management approaches, however, should be selected depending on the stage of development in a particular region.