ASEAN Taxonomy Version 2 receives broad affirmation following stakeholder consultation

ASEAN Taxonomy Version 2 receives broad affirmation following stakeholder consultation

The ASEAN Taxonomy Board (ATB), representing ASEAN finance sectoral bodies, has announced the completion of targeted stakeholder consultation for Version 2 of the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance (ASEAN Taxonomy).
CAREC countries endorse new vision to fight climate change together
CAREC countries endorse new vision to fight climate change together
(CPV) - Member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program committed to work together to cut greenhouse gas emissions...
Elevated US rates push up bond yields in emerging East Asia
Elevated US rates push up bond yields in emerging East Asia
(CPV) - Financial conditions in emerging East Asia weakened in the third quarter of 2023 amid expectations of higher interest rates for a longer...
Thailand wants to co-host volleyball women’s world champs 2025
Thailand wants to co-host volleyball women’s world champs 2025
Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA) has an intention to invite regional countries, including Vietnam, to host the 20th edition of the FIVB...
RoK seeks to strengthen investment in central localities
RoK seeks to strengthen investment in central localities

The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in the central city of Da Nang on November 24 held a conference on the expansion of investment cooperation between the RoK and central localities of Vietnam.

Thailand, China co-host 2023 Green Technology Expo
Thailand, China co-host 2023 Green Technology Expo

Thailand and China are co-hosting the 2023 Green Technology Expo in Bangkok from November 9-12 to strengthen cooperation and showcase achievements in climate change response and carbon neutrality.

ADB and GEF jointly announce Asia and the Pacific Natural Capital Fund
ADB and GEF jointly announce Asia and the Pacific Natural Capital Fund

(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have announced the establishment of Natural Capital Fund (NCF), which is a concessional fund designed to support projects that enhance food security while also protecting and restoring natural capital in ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs). GEF is supporting the NCF with an investment of $15 million.

UNDP urges swift action and new directions to advance Asia-Pacific s human development
UNDP urges swift action and new directions to advance Asia-Pacific's human development

(CPV) - The Asia-Pacific region is lurching towards an era of unmet aspirations, worsening inequalities, and a steady erosion of democratic spaces. Rising global tensions, new technologies, growing polarization, and existential threats linked to climate change threaten to disrupt improvements in well-being the region has seen in past decades, says a new report from the United Nations Development Programme.

International tourists to Cambodia shoot up 211
International tourists to Cambodia shoot up 211%

Cambodia welcomed 3.92 million international tourist arrivals during the first nine months of 2023, surging 211% year on year, the country’s Ministry of Tourism said on November 3.

Vietnam hosts ASEAN-RoK Strategic Forum
Vietnam hosts ASEAN-RoK Strategic Forum

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) organised the ASEAN-RoK Strategic Forum in Hanoi on November 1.

Vietnam calls for end to acts of violence, avoiding casualties for civilians in Gaza Strip
Vietnam calls for end to acts of violence, avoiding casualties for civilians in Gaza Strip

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), expressed great concern at the current escalating situation in the Middle East and extended his deep condolences to the families of victims of recent attacks while addressing the UN General Assembly’s 10th Emergency Special Session held in New York on October 26-27.

Laos destroys tens of tonnes of drugs
Laos destroys tens of tonnes of drugs

Lao cities and provinces recently destroyed tens of tonnes of drugs along with various related items that law enforcement agencies had previously seized, in response to the National Anti-Drug Day in the country (October 12).

ASEAN, China to join humanitarian, disaster relief exercises
ASEAN, China to join humanitarian, disaster relief exercises

The Chinese army will send troops to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to participate in the live exercises held by the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Experts' Working Group (EWG) of the (ADMM-Plus) from October 14 -21.

ADB supports energy security in Philippines through PPP advisory
ADB supports energy security in Philippines through PPP advisory

(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been awarded a contract as transaction advisor to help the Philippines Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) to monetize the Caliraya–Botocan–Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric power plant complex and enhance energy security in the country’s main island of Luzon.

300 million ADB loan to boost Philippines’ financial inclusion goals
$300 million ADB loan to boost Philippines’ financial inclusion goals

(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $300 million policy-based loan to support the Philippine government in creating a stronger institutional and policy environment to help expand Filipinos’ access to financial services, particularly the vulnerable segment of the population, and to promote economic growth.

ADB capital management reforms unlock 100 billion in new funding over next decade to support Asia and the Pacific
ADB capital management reforms unlock $100 billion in new funding over next decade to support Asia and the Pacific

(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved capital management reforms on September 29th 2023 that unlock $100 billion in new funding capacity over the next decade to address the region’s overlapping, simultaneous crises. The expansion of available funds will be further leveraged through mobilizing private and domestic capital to move from the billions to trillions required to tackle the climate crisis.

Cambodian PM demands support for flood victims
Cambodian PM demands support for flood victims

Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet on September 29 requested leaders of provinces pay attention to supporting flood-hit people as widespread heavy rains have triggered floods in many localities on recent days.

Nearly 20 of Singapore’s population aged over 65
Nearly 20% of Singapore’s population aged over 65

The proportion of citizens aged 65 and above in Singapore has increased from 11.7% in 2013 to 19.1% this year, according to the country’s annual Population in Brief report released on September 29.

ADB appoints Bhargav Dasgupta as Vice-President for market solutions
ADB appoints Bhargav Dasgupta as Vice-President for market solutions

(CPV) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Bhargav Dasgupta as Vice-President (Market Solutions) for a period of 3 years. He will be responsible for management of the operations of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department and Office of Markets Development and Public–Private Partnerships.

Higher rates remain a risk for emerging East Asia borrowers
Higher rates remain a risk for emerging East Asia borrowers

(CPV) - Governments and central banks in emerging East Asia need to stay vigilant to guard against potential financial risk associated with higher interest rates, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Thailand sets new international tourism revenue target
Thailand sets new international tourism revenue target

Thailand has set a new target of earning 3 trillion THB (about 85 billion USD) from international visitors and turning the country into a sports and entertainment centre, according to Minister of Tourism and Sports Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.

Global trade finance gap expands to 2 5 trillion in 2022
Global trade finance gap expands to $2.5 trillion in 2022

(CPV) - The global trade finance gap grew to a record $2.5 trillion in 2022 from $1.7 trillion two years earlier, as rising interest rates, flagging economic prospects, inflation, and geopolitical volatility reduced the capacity of banks to deliver trade financing, according to the 2023 Trade Finance Gaps, Growth and Jobs Survey released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

ADB, Deutsche Bank sign risk Sharing Agreement to boost supply chain financing in Asia
ADB, Deutsche Bank sign risk Sharing Agreement to boost supply chain financing in Asia

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Deutsche Bank have signed a risk participation agreement to enhance access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia and the Pacific. The agreement was signed between ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program (TSCFP) and Deutsche Bank AG through its Singapore branch.

Singapore to have new President
Singapore to have new President

Tharman Shanmugaratnam will become the ninth President of Singapore after winning 70.4% of votes in the September 1 election.