An ADB project is helping Bhutan promote financial literacy and strengthen financial inclusion by supporting mobile and branchless banking.

In line with the government's priority under the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2013–2018) to improve the business climate for the private sector, the Strengthening Economic Management Program II (SEMP II) identified the possibility of high impact mobile and branchless banking that extends the reach of financial services to remote areas.

“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.

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.

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.

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources. EITI guides its 51 member countries to date on improved governance and accountability in more areas of the natural resource value chain.

Viet Nam's cities are going green as local leaders adopt the Green Cities approach. Learn more from this case study.

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.

Life for about three million people in the People’s Republic of China is about to get better with the cleanup of the Songhua River.

Are drinking water and better toilets finally available in Punjab? Learn how ADB has been working on bringing these services to one of Pakistan's poorest provinces.

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.