Virtual Conference on Rural and Agricultural Development in the Digital Age

Access to, and use of, digital technology in rural areas of developing countries has increased considerably in recent decades, underpinning a vast body of theoretical and empirical research on its implications for agricultural production, trade, and the wellbeing of rural households. Nevertheless, more research is needed to better understand how digitalization affects rural and agricultural development.

Ana Lucía Vich Gadella

Ana Vich is Economist of State since 2004, when she started her career at the Spanish Treasury, working as economic advisor in economic and financial issues related to the Eurozone. In 2008, she assumed the functions of the attached deputy director for sectoral policies in the General Directorate for Economic Policies, dealing with the underlying economic rationale of Spanish sectoral legislation.

Better Local Business Environments for Pandemic Recovery in Southeast Asia

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Southeast Asian economies, accounting for an average of 97% of all businesses and 69% of the national labor force across the region. However, SMEs face unique challenges as they have limited capital, resources, and staff; short life spans; and poor knowledge about government support.

Sanchita Basu-Das

Sanchita joined ADB in November 2018 and initially served as an Economist in the South Asia Regional Department. She was previously the Lead Researcher for Economic Affairs at the ASEAN Studies Centre of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore. She was concurrently a Fellow of the Regional Economic Studies Program, coordinator of Singapore APEC Studies Centre, and a co-editor of Journal of Southeast Asian Economies (JSEAE), all housed under the same institute.