Tracking progress and offering standardized measures of RCI in Asian economies has been critical to inform regional policies. Measuring the benefits of RCI projects, is also important for developing member countries to reach consensus on collective action. ADB has developed the Guidelines on the Economic Analysis of RCI projects to measure the benefits and costs of RCI projects, either quantitatively or qualitatively. ADB continues to conduct research on its subregional programs to help improve the monitoring and measuring of cross-border spillovers of economic corridor development.

Southeast Asia has long been a region with dynamic RCI initiatives that have included ECD as one of their key pillars for enhancing economic integration. The GMS, IMT-GT and BIMP-EAGA are all at different levels and stages of ECD, but the overlapping country memberships and the geographical contiguity has led to a continuous sharing of knowledge and good practices amongst them.

Representatives from development partners will share their experience in supporting ECD in different subregions. Presentations will highlight opportunities and challenges in mainstreaming ECD in DMC operations, and how development partners can support it. Development partners will also highlight the importance of enhanced partnerships.

Opening Session with Welcome remarks delivered by Ms. Eka Guntsadze, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Finance, Georgia and Opening remarks delivered by Ms. Lyaziza Sabyrova, Regional Head, Regional Cooperation and Integration (RCI) of the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD), Asian Development Bank

Individual SASEC countries have pursued the development of economic corridors as a major tool for bringing economic transformation and promoting inclusive growth. Under the SASEC program, ECD has featured prominently in pursuit of synergies among SASEC members, involving the development of efficient multimodal transport networks, quality infrastructure and a business-friendly policy framework with efficient business procedures. This sub-session aims to share SASEC member experience in ECD, highlighting challenges and lessons learned.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched the Southeast Asia Sustainable Tourism Hub at the third Southeast Asia Development Symposium (SEADS) held on 16–17 March 2022.