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.

Dynamic entrepreneurs are needed to innovate and create the jobs that will support Asia’s future development. How can digitalization and the business environment provide conditions for entrepreneurs to thrive?

The textile and textile products sector in Bangladesh has helped the economy reap the benefits of participating in global value chains (GVCs).

To assess how the economy can upgrade its participation in GVCs and transform its economy, this seminar discussed current patterns of trade and GVCs in the economy using product trade data and input-output tables.

Researchers and policymakers rely on timely, granular data to enhance the impact of analysis underlying policies to support development. The emergence of social media presents new opportunities for real-time data, but can it be harnessed for sustainable development?

Asia and the Pacific has already posted a marked slowdown in achieving many of its Sustainable Development Goals, delaying the point when it reaches its targets for reduced poverty, narrowed social inequality, and improved social mobility, among others. Although many economies in the region reported stronger economic growth in 2021, there were hints of divergent growth paths.