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E-Commerce for inclusive development : policy considerations
No full textOften, we hear that e-commerce holds immense promise in driving inclusive development. In the E-commerce and Development Report 2002, Kofi A. Annan, then Secretary-General of the United Nations, urged the international community to prioritize the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halving extreme poverty by 2015. Two decades have transpired since then. How has e-commerce contributed to inclusive development? What are the lessons learned and what are the policy implications?
This paper aims to answer these questions. Recognizing that “inclusive development” is a very broad term, the focus of this paper is on two of its dimensions: poverty reduction and empowering women. Both dimensions are cornerstones of the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. Critical methodologies for analysis include a literature review, input from an expert group meeting and the findings of an online survey.
This paper comprises five chapters. Chapter 1 provides background information of this paper. Chapter 2 reviews the relevant literature on e-commerce for (inclusive) development. Chapter 3 investigates the issues on leveraging e-commerce for poverty reduction. It points out that poverty and e-commerce are inherently incompatible. Chapter 4 delves into the topic of empowering women through e-commerce, and the difficulties in defining and measuring empowerment are emphasized. Chapter 5 further discusses policy implications.</p
Policy approaches to formalizing informal employment in the formal sector in Asia and the Pacific and Latin America
No full textThe report compiles existing policy tools and and good practices adopted by Governments in Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean on formalizing informal employment in the formal sector. To provide a framework for understanding the full range of good practices on formalizing the employment of informal workers in the formal sector, the report sets out the integrated strategic policy approach outlined by ILO Recommendation No. 204 on facilitating the transition to formality. The report was prepared in the context of the project, Policymaking for More Inclusive and Sustainable Economies in Asia and the Pacific and in Latin America, implemented by ESCAP, in partnership with the Government of Colombia through the Agencia Presidencial de Cooperación Internacional de Colombia (APC Colombia).</p
Food losses in international trade of agricultural commodities : a case study in Sri Lanka
No full textSri Lanka's development strategy has long emphasized enhancing trade competitiveness, with agriculture playing a significant role in its economy. This study addresses the critical yet often overlooked issue of food losses at the country's borders, which undermine its trade competitiveness. From 2016 to 2020, agricultural exports comprised about a quarter of Sri Lanka's total exports, while food imports accounted for around 13% of total imports. The research investigates the magnitude and causes of these border food losses and proposes strategies to mitigate them. Analysis using the Standard Compliance Analytics of UNIDO identified considerable rejections at entry and exit points. Stakeholder consultations indicated that these rejections primarily result from trading firms' inability to comply with complex regulatory and certification requirements. A lack of awareness among exporters about stringent standards in certain markets also contributes to these rejections. Stakeholders suggest strategies such as digitization, improved coordination between government agencies, and capacity building for government officials. The study recommends enhancing awareness among private agents about domestic and international regulations, improving the capacity of government officials, and developing infrastructure in the agricultural value chain, especially during grace periods following the introduction of new regulations, as well as prioritizing investments based on a cost-benefit analysis, considering both direct and indirect benefits of various options. </p
Green power corridor for North-East Asia : a roadmap
No full textThe Roadmap draws on the concept of the Green Power Corridor (GPC) developed by ESCAP to offer a regional vision for power grid connectivity that supports national emission reduction and renewables development goals, in this case in the specific context of the North-East Asian subregion. The GPC concept builds on six key building blocks: institutional framework, infrastructure backbone, financial arrangements, regulatory framework, social acceptance and, at the centre of the GPC concept, political accord, or the readiness of the national Governments in the region to support cross-border cooperation</p
2023 : Leaving no one behind : Afghanistan country brief
No full textMany people are left behind in access to opportunities.
Among poorer households with lower education, 25% have access to basic sanitation while 75% do not. This furthest behind group represents 29% of all households.
Among poorer boys under 5 years of age, 54% are stunted. This furthest behind group represents 22% of all children under 5.
Among poorer women aged 15-24 or above 35 with lower education, only 2% use the internet while 98% do not. This furthest behind group represents 24% of all women aged 15-49.</p
Asia-Pacific trade and investment trends brief 2022/2023 : Afghanistan
No full textThis brief covers recent trends and developments in trade and investment. It has been produced as an accompaniment to the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Trends 2022/2023
