Low business diversity can limit Pacific countries’ growth potential. Asia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Monitor 2023 shows how promoting women entrepreneurs can be part of the solution. The webinar discussed key findings from the business survey conducted in Fiji and explored needed policy actions for gender mainstreaming in the Pacific.

Driven by strong domestic demand, growth in developing Asia is expected to remain strong despite a weaker global outlook. Inflation continues moderating in the region. But risks are rising—from a weakening property sector in the People’s Republic of China, food security challenges, and financial stability risks. Asian Development Outlook September 2023 shed light on these.

Distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchains could be used to better connect ASEAN+3 central banks and central securities depository systems—an approach demonstrated by Project Tridecagon. A group of experts discussed the results of this proof-of-concept project, weighing the suitability, cost-effectiveness, and security of these technologies when applied to cross-border securities transactions.

Developing Asia is highly vulnerable to climate change, even as it is an increasing contributor to the global climate crisis. This webinar explored what a transition to global net zero emissions could mean for the region’s key mitigating sectors and its socioeconomic implications.

Mass transit infrastructure can have a wide range of development benefits—many of which are not captured in traditional cost-benefit analysis. Beyond shorter commuting times and improved traffic, these investments can alter the economic landscape of a metropolis as firms and families relocate. And with proper land-use planning and development policies, these benefits can be amplified.