Indonesia Energy Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map-Update
by Asian Development Bank
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This publication provides an overview of key development successes and constraints in Indonesia's energy sector. It reviews the support extended by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners together with an update on the government's energy plans and strategies. In line with ADB's 2020—2024 country partnership strategy for Indonesia, an outline of strategic initiatives and background information for energy investments and technical assistance operations is also presented.
Viet Nam Secondary Education Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map
by Asian Development Bank
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This report provides an assessment of Viet Nam's secondary education sector, including technical and vocational education training programs. The report reviews sector achievements and challenges as well as the Government of Viet Nam's strategy and policies. It also outlines how the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners have contributed to the sector. The report provides recommendations on measures to boost access to secondary education and to improve its overall quality and management.
Cambodia Transport Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map
by Asian Development Bank
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
Cambodia's transport sector plays a critical role in the country's economic development by supporting growth in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and construction. This publication examines Cambodia's transport sector performance, major development constraints, and the government's strategy and plans. It also reflects on lessons learned from past Asian Development Bank (ADB) assistance and identifies potential areas for future support, including knowledge initiatives and investments. The publication serves as a basis for further dialogue on how ADB and the government can collaborate to effectively develop the transport sector in the coming years.
Indonesia
Energy Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This latest energy sector assessment, strategy, and road map for Indonesia highlights energy sector performance, major development constraints, and government development plans and strategy. This report reviews previous support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners, and outlines ADB's future support strategy in Indonesia's energy sector. This publication provides energy sector background information for ADB investment and technical assistance operations and will inform ADB's 2016–2019 country partnership strategy for Indonesia.
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This publication explains the evaluation and strategic investment priorities of the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the agriculture, natural resources, and rural development sector. It highlights sector performance, priority development constraints, government plans and strategy, other development partner support, and ADB's past experience and future sector strategy. The country partnership strategy of ADB is also discussed and updated as strategic developments and program changes occur. Other background information about the sector for ADB's investment and technical assistance operations are also provided.
Continuing Reforms to Stimulate Private Sector Investment
A Private Sector Assessment for Solomon Islands
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
A business environment that supports private sector-led growth is the key to long-term sustainable poverty reduction. This has been recognized by successive Solomon Islands' governments who have implemented fundamental reforms that have modernized the environment for doing business in the country with some far-reaching reforms. This private sector assessment (PSA) analyzes the reforms to date and suggests further policy actions and priorities in the areas of business law reform, promoting economic opportunities for women, infrastructure, state-owned enterprises, the tax system, and the financial system. The policy recommendations in the PSA provide the basis for discussions between the Government of Solomon Islands, the private sector, and other stakeholders regarding future reform priorities that will contribute to the country's resources being used most productively. This PSA was produced by the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative---a regional technical assistance facility cofinanced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Government of Australia, and the Government of New Zealand.
Private Sector Assessment for Palau
Policies for Sustainable Growth Revisited
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
Palau's economy expanded strongly, with real gross domestic product (GDP) rising 5.3% in 2014 and 8.2% in 2015. Per capita GDP also increased; at the end of fiscal year 2015 it was in excess of $16,000---the highest among Asian Development Bank developing members in the Pacific. This strong performance, however, masks urgent issues threatening the sustainability of Palau's economy. This private sector assessment is based on in-depth consultation with the government and private sector. It recommends further reform, most notably in the areas of tourism policies and business law, as well as in the agriculture and finance sectors. It suggests that Palau's state-owned enterprises are inefficient and need to operate on commercial principles. Measures to promote equal access to economic opportunities for women and fiber optic connectivity with other countries are also provided.
Viet Nam
Financial Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This sector assessment, strategy, and road map highlights the Government of Viet Nam's plans and strategies for addressing priority needs for the financial sector and identifies possible preliminary areas of international assistance. It assesses key sector development needs by analyzing strengths, constraints and weaknesses, various risks, potential threats, as well as opportunities. This knowledge product serves as a basis for further dialogue on how the Asian Development Bank and the government can work together to tackle the challenges of managing financial sector development in Viet Nam in the coming years.
Addressing Water Security in the People's Republic of China
The 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) and Beyond
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
Although accounting for about 20% of the global population, the People's Republic of China (PRC) is endowed with only 7% of the world's water resources. The country faces severe water scarcity, high levels of urbanization and population growth, and climate change. For the PRC's continuing development, it must protect and develop its freshwater resources. This publication provides recommended policy initiatives to ensure the PRC's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016–2020) contributes to significant improvements in national water security, particularly in extreme water-scarce provinces. Some actions proposed for increased water security are better water resources management, more cross-sector planning, deeper reform of the water pricing system, and creation of water markets.
Tourism Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map for Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, an
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This report documents tourism sector investment priorities of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the governments of Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, and Viet Nam. It highlights sector performance, priority development constraints, government plans and strategies, past ADB support and experience, and other development partner support. The report provides sector background information for ADB's investment and technical assistance operations and will be updated as strategic developments and program changes are needed.
The Cook Islands
Stronger Investment Climate for Sustainable Growth
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
The Cook Islands is among the best performing Pacific island economies, with many structures in place that support private sector investment, including an internationally competitive tax regime, an open trade regime, and good standards of education and health care. Future prospects are positive due to the growing tourism sector, and potential resource revenues from seabed minerals prospecting activities are another favorable development. The Government of the Cook Islands is committed to pursuing sustainable development through private-sector-led growth. Yet, the Cook Islands faces significant challenges in realizing its full potential, including a sluggish business entry process that discourages foreign investment, inadequate infrastructure that threatens to degrade the natural environment, complex land ownership and inadequate land use planning processes, and a weak collateral framework.
Viet Nam
Energy Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
The latest energy sector assessment, strategy, and road map for Viet Nam highlights energy sector performance, major development constraints, and government development plans and strategy. The report highlights previous support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners, and ADB's future support strategy in Viet Nam's energy sector. The assessment, strategy, and road map will add on to ADB's 2016–2020 country partnership strategy for Viet Nam. The report also provides energy sector background information for ADB investment and technical assistance operations.
Overview of Mongolia's Water Resources System and Management
A Country Water Security Assessment
by Asian Development Bank
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This publication evaluates water security in Mongolia and provides analyses based from other documents and studies for a multidimensional overview of the country's water resources system and management. It recommends a path forward based on integrated water resources management as well as national and local institutional development, through a targeted investment program. The assessment is adapted from the analytical framework introduced in the Asian Water Development Outlook, a series of reports produced by the Asian Development Bank and the Asia-Pacific Water Forum.
Managing Water Resources for Sustainable Socioeconomic Development
A Country Water Assessment for the People's Republic of China
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This study provides an overview of the water security situation in the People's Republic of China. It assesses the policy and institutional requirements for addressing issues and recommends strategic areas for strengthening and reform. The five dimensions of water security covered in the research are domestic water security, economic production water security, environmental water security, ecological water security, and resilience to water-related disasters. A summary of key policy recommendations identifies the essential measures needed to effectively move forward the alleviation of water security issues in different time frames.
Cambodia
Energy Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map - December 2018
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This publication focuses on the strategic investment priorities of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the energy sector of Cambodia. It highlights sector performance, priority development constraints, government plans and strategies, and ADB's past and future support. The sector assessment, strategy, and road map is aligned with ADB's Strategy 2030 and will inform its country partnership strategy for Cambodia, 2019–2023, which is currently under development. It seeks to help provide sector background information for investment and technical assistance operations.
Strengthening Functional Urban Regions in Azerbaijan
National Urban Assessment 2017
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This publication helps guide investment planning and financing across key urban infrastructure sectors of Azerbaijan to improve the performance of cities with a focus on economy, equity, and environment. The National Urban Assessment for Azerbaijan is among a series prepared by the Asian Development Bank for selected developing countries under its Urban Operational Plan 2012–2020.
School Education in Pakistan
A Sector Assessment
by Asian Development Bank
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This publication describes the key issues facing the school education system in Pakistan, highlights the challenges, and suggests some possible directions for reform--with a focus on two provinces: Sindh and Punjab. While average years of schooling in Pakistan have increased along with life expectancy and per capita income, inequality remains high and, by other education measures, the record remains dismal. Illiteracy is widespread and almost 23 million children aged 5—16 are not in school--a worrying statistic for a country whose current workforce is young, mostly unskilled, and poorly prepared for productive employment.
Indonesia
Country Water Assessment
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
The Country Water Assessment (CWA) evaluates the balance between reliable and available water supplies and future demands for sustainable economic development in Indonesia. Articulated around the water,food, and energy nexus, the CWA explores technical, institutional, and policy options to improve planning, management, and development of water resources. The 2015-2019 midterm government development policy guides the priorities covered under the CWA. This assessment intends to provide a platform for dialogue to advance water reforms across Indonesia, focusing on Java, Sumatera, and Sulawesi---the country's three main economic regions.
Re-invigorating Private Sector Investment
Private Sector Assessment in Fiji
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This private sector assessment reviews Fiji's private sector environment in 2006-2012, against recommendations made in the Asian Development Bank (ADB) publication "2005 Promise Unfulfilled: Private Sector Assessment for Fiji". While Fiji has made considerable reform progress in a number of areas (including tax reforms, encouraging telecommunications competition, and reducing barriers to foreign investment), it still faces considerable challenges in responding to a range of macroeconomic shocks following the global economic crisis, and political and policy uncertainty at home.
Building a Dynamic Pacific Economy
Strengthening the Private Sector in Papua New Guinea
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This report critically analyzes the complex environment for private sector development in Papua New Guinea, showing the country's potential to capitalize on its vast wealth well into the coming decades. However, to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth, Papua New Guinea needs ongoing reform so that the benefits of future resource exports benefit the entire economy. This report was produced by the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, a regional technical assistance facility cofinanced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Government of Australia, and the New Zealand Government.
Realizing the Urban Potential in Georgia
National Urban Assessment
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
This publication details the rapid assessment of the urban sector in Georgia to understand key urbanization trends and patterns of growth and to analyze challenges and opportunities. It gives a snapshot of the state of urban affairs at the national level with an urbanization profile, governance and urban management profile, capacity needs assessment, urban finance matrix, and a "3E" assessment covering economic, environmental, and social equity profiles. This document is not a strategy but the basis for developing a national urban strategy and road map for integrated investments to maximize development impact.
Viet Nam Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sector Assessment
by Asian Development Bank
Part of the Country Sector and Thematic Assessments series
Viet Nam has achieved rapid economic growth in Southeast Asia. In 2009, it became a lower-middle-income country. However, labor productivity has remained low even with ample foreign direct investment.
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) must now respond to increase skilled workers in the labor market. This report examines Viet Nam's challenges and opportunities in TVET. It recommends reforms in governance structure, organization, and management of TVET; effective teaching of the right skills; greater enterprise-based training and financial support; and equal access to higher quality training particularly for the disadvantaged population such as ethnic minority students.