Regional Cooperation and Integration in Asia and the Pacific: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic and "Building Back Better

To help Asia and the Pacific build back resiliently and sustainably from the COVID-19 pandemic, regional cooperation and integration (RCI) can be enhanced. The report reflects on lessons learned from efforts to tackle the pandemic and provides insights on how region-wide solidarity can be enhanced with the support of multilateral development banks.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 122 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Asian Development Bank

The report delves into the potential of regional cooperation and integration (RCI) to aid Asia and the Pacific in their resilient and sustainable recovery from the devastating impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Drawing upon lessons learned from previous endeavors to combat the pandemic, the report offers valuable insights into how regional solidarity can be strengthened through the collaborative efforts of multilateral development banks in key areas such as trade and investment, connectivity infrastructure, people's mobility, regional public goods, and policy cooperation.

Cooperation and integration among countries in the Asia and Pacific region have been crucial in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic has highlighted the interconnectedness of the region, emphasizing the need for collective action and collaboration. Regional organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) have played a significant role in coordinating responses and sharing resources.

The report highlights the importance of enhancing regional cooperation and integration to build back stronger and more resilient from the pandemic. It suggests that multilateral development banks can play a vital role in supporting these efforts by providing financial and technical assistance to countries in need.

Trade and investment are key areas where regional cooperation can be strengthened. The report emphasizes the need for increased investment in infrastructure, particularly in healthcare and digital connectivity, to support economic recovery and promote sustainable development. Multilateral development banks can provide financing and policy support to facilitate trade and investment flows within the region, promoting economic growth and reducing poverty.

Connectivity infrastructure is another critical area for regional cooperation. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of reliable and efficient transportation networks, as well as digital connectivity, to enable remote work, education, and healthcare. Multilateral development banks can provide financing and technical assistance to improve connectivity infrastructure, including airports, highways, and telecommunications networks.

People's mobility is another area where regional cooperation can play a significant role. The pandemic has restricted travel and movement, causing economic and social disruptions. Multilateral development banks can provide financing and technical assistance to improve transportation infrastructure, including airports, ports, and rail networks, to facilitate people's mobility and promote economic recovery.

Regional public goods, such as healthcare and education, are also important areas for regional cooperation. The pandemic has highlighted the need for shared resources and collective efforts to ensure access to essential services for all. Multilateral development banks can provide financing and technical assistance to develop regional public goods, including healthcare facilities, schools, and research institutions.

Policy cooperation is another key area where regional cooperation can be enhanced. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of coordinated policies and regulations to ensure effective responses and promote economic recovery. Multilateral development banks can provide financing and technical assistance to support policy reforms and coordination among countries in the region, promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty.

The report also emphasizes the need for sustainable and inclusive recovery from the pandemic. It suggests that regional cooperation and integration should prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, including women, children, and marginalized communities. Multilateral development banks can provide financing and technical assistance to support social protection programs, promote gender equality, and address social and economic inequalities.

In conclusion, the report highlights the potential of regional cooperation and integration to aid Asia and the Pacific in their resilient and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. By strengthening regional solidarity and collaboration, multilateral development banks can play a vital role in supporting countries in need and promoting economic growth and sustainable development. The report calls for increased investment in infrastructure, trade and investment, connectivity infrastructure, people's mobility, regional public goods, and policy cooperation to build back stronger and more resilient from the pandemic.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 298 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789292692476