Trade and Investment

Products displayed at a BIMP-EAGA trade fair include halal-certified sardines from the Philippines.

Tapping into the Halal Market

September 29, 2020

Ecozone developers revive efforts to make Mindanao a major halal food producer.

Regional Cooperation Programs Like ASEAN Helped Spur Asia’s Growth

September 29, 2020

Regional cooperation is credited for contributing to Asia’s success story, helping countries work together in times of prosperity and crises.

The ASEAN-wide Self-Certification Scheme is expected to benefit particularly the small manufacturers and traders that have had difficulty getting the proper documents to avail of preferential tariff under the trade agreement. Photo credit: iStock/Bastian Saputra.

ASEAN Simplifies Trade Procedures for Exporters

September 22, 2020

Self-certification scheme improves ease of doing business while lowering costs.

Farmers and fishermen saw their income drop by 60% during the COVID-19 crisis. Photo credit: ADB.

Self-Employed, Agriculture Workers Suffer Deepest Cuts in Income

September 18, 2020

A survey of 8,000 households in Southeast Asia shows household businesses and the self-employed are the most affected, followed by farmers and fishermen.

Restarting Investment Promotion in the New Normal

August 18, 2020

After providing crisis support, investment promotion agencies now need to build back investor confidence.

BIMP-EAGA Urged to Shore Up Connectivity Gains in Wake of COVID-19

August 12, 2020

The business sector calls for a review of transport deals to reflect the new normal and recovery agenda in the subregion.

Remote learning and working during the pandemic have underscored the importance of improving digital access. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank.

Youth Survey Shows Why ASEAN Needs to Become Digital-Ready

August 12, 2020

Social distancing has heightened the difference between digital haves and have-nots.

Sabah Manufacturers Seek Business Advice to Survive the Crisis

August 04, 2020

A survey identifies what kind of assistance manufacturers in Sabah need to survive in the next 6 months.

Tech Startups Show the Way Out of the Crisis

July 23, 2020

Four young CEOs from BIMP-EAGA countries share how they are thriving in this era of disruption.

Go Digital ASEAN to Help Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19

July 17, 2020

The Google-supported initiative will equip 200,000 micro and small enterprises in Southeast Asia with digital skills and tools to cope with the COVID-19 crisis.