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Proof of concept for a blockchain-based transit cargo document pouch in Mongolia: a summary report
No full textThis proof of concept (PoC) builds on an earlier feasibility study that identified blockchain technology as a promising enabler of paperless trade facilitation and enhanced trade competitiveness in Mongolia. That study highlighted five priority areas where blockchain-based solutions could enhance efficiency, transparency, and trust: customs clearance and border management; certificates of origin and trade documentation; traceability in mining and agriculture; trade finance and cross-border payments; and regional and multilateral trade corridors.
Building upon the earlier study, this PoC focuses on the first identified area: Customs Clearance and Border Management. The PoC examines the use of sealing transit cargo documents and data to address legal requirements under the Mongolia Customs Law and to respond to identified operational challenges. The initiative is intended to provide practical insights into the technical and operational feasibility of blockchain-enabled solutions, without implying a commitment to full-scale implementation.
Within the limited scope of the exercise, the PoC demonstrated that it is technically feasible to create a digital twin of a consignment at the point of entry, package the associated data and documents into a verifiable Document Pouch, and anchor cryptographic proofs using open standards. Overall, the PoC provides practical insights and a reference architecture that may inform future discussions on digital trade facilitation and customs modernization in Mongolia and the wider region with a blockchain-enabled approach. By adopting an incremental, evidence-based approach and leveraging open and interoperable technologies, policymakers and practitioners may be better positioned to assess how emerging technologies could be responsibly applied to enhance trust, transparency, and efficiency in cross-border trade
Advancing gender-inclusive public transport in Asia-Pacific during the transition to electric mobility
No full textFunded by the China-ESCAP Cooperation Programme (CECP)Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS III
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY IV
LIST OF TABLES VII
LIST OF FIGURES VII
LIST OF BOXES VII
ABBREVIATIONS VIII
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 1
CHAPTER 2. THEMATIC CONTEXTS 2
2.1 Key Gender topics in Asia-Pacific Transport Systems 2
2.1.1 Access to education 3
2.1.2 Access to employment opportunities 5
2.1.3 Access to Health Services 6
2.1.4 Perceived Safety, Security and Stress on Public Transport 8
2.1.5 The environment, climate and renewable energy 9
2.2 Governance 10
2.3 Built environment 16
CHAPTER 3. ELECTRIFICATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ASIA-PACIFIC 17
3.1 Electrification of Paratransit 19
3.2 Electrification and Women in the Workforce 20
CHAPTER 4. REGIONAL CASE STUDIES 23
4.1 Transition to electric public transport in Dushanbe, Tajikistan 23
ADVANCING GENDER-INCLUSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ASIA-PACIFIC DURING THE TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC MOBILITY
4.2 Transition to electric public transport in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR 29
CHAPTER 5. POLICY APPROACH 32
CHAPTER 6. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ASIA-PACIFIC 36
6.1 Mainstream Gender in Transport Planning 37
6.2 Design Inclusive Electric Bus and Micromobility Systems 37
6.3 Regulate and Empower the Paratransit Sector 37
6.4 Address Safety and Harassment Systemically 37
6.5 Expand Access to Digital Mobility and Digital Literacy 37
6.6 Promote Women’s Participation in Decision-Making and Workforce 38
6.7 Putting gender in the cost-benefit equation 38
CHAPTER 7. CONCLUSION 39
CHAPTER 8.GUIDELINES 40
REFERENCES 4
Best practices : digital public services for small and medium-sized enterprises
No full textThis working paper presents a comprehensive review of best practices in the provision of digital public services (DPS) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in North and Central Asia. Developed under the ESCAP project “Strengthening Digital Public Services for SMEs in North and Central Asia” (2024–2026) and supported by the Russian Federation, the report draws on national experiences from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as selected practices from the broader Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
The study highlights the increasing adoption of mobile-first approaches, the integration of digital platforms tailored to SMEs, and the growing role of public-private partnerships in service delivery. It also explores the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biometric identification to enhance service accessibility, efficiency, and personalization. Through case studies, the report illustrates how governments are leveraging data-driven tools, cross-agency collaboration, and proactive service models to streamline administrative processes and reduce barriers for SMEs.
The report concludes with forward-looking recommendations, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and interoperability in digital public service ecosystems. It advocates for inclusive, seamless, and technology-enabled service delivery models that can support the growth and resilience of SMEs across the region.Supported by the Russian FederationCONTENTS
About the Main Author .............................................................................................................................. 2
Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................... 2
Abstract .................................................................................................................................................. 2
List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................. 2
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Accessible and easy-to-use Digital Public Services ............................................................................ 3
2.1. Digital Public Services go mobile ................................................................................................ 3
2.1.1. eGov Mobile and eGov Mobile Business Super Apps in Kazakhstan 3
2.1.2. eGovPH Superapp (Philippines) 4
2.2. Use of private sector platforms to deliver digital public services to SMEs ...................................... 5
2.2.1. Public services through external platforms in Kazakhstan 6
3. SME specialized Digital Public Service Platforms ................................................................................ 6
3.1. Specialized business support digital platforms ........................................................................... 6
3.1.1. SME.RF Digital Platform in Russia 6
3.1.2. Comprehensive mobile applications for entrepreneurs in Kyrgyzstan 9
3.1.3. E-Business platform and application in Mongolia 10
3.1.4. MIPYMES MX learning platform in Mexico 11
3.2. Entrepreneur service centres and innovation hubs ..................................................................... 11
3.2.1. Entrepreneur service centres and business support centres in Kyrgyzstan 11
3.2.2. Uzbekistan’s IT Park activities 13
3.2.3. Astana Hub International Technology Park 14
3.2.4. Receiving services through post offices in Kazakhstan 15
4. Seamless Flow of Providing Services ................................................................................................ 16
4.1. Creating Government data lakes to improve the cross-agency exchange of documents and data . 16
4.1.1. Kazakhstan’s Smart Data Ukimet information and analysis system 16
4.2. Optimizing the service delivery process ..................................................................................... 17
4.2.1. Simplification of licensing and permits for SMEs in Uzbekistan 17
4.2.2. Simplification of licensing and obtaining permits for SMEs in Russia 18
5. New Technologies for Digital Public Services Provision ...................................................................... 19
5.1. Use of AI and distributed ledger technologies ............................................................................ 19
5.1.1. Chatbots that simplify receiving services 20
5.1.2. Proactive public services and pre-completion of forms 21
5.1.3. Digital identification tools and eKYC systems 21
5.1.4. Public procurement 22
5.1.5. Access to the workforce 22
5.2. Blockchain-enabled Digital Public Services for SMEs ................................................................. 23
6. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Strategic actions for enhancing rural transport connectivity in Lao PDR
No full textBased on secondary data, interviews, desk research, and workshop discussions, this report looks at rural connectivity in terms of both ICT and physical infrastructure linkages. It found that rural transport planning should be conducted in conjunction with urban transport planning to meet liveable and sustainable living standards for inhabitants. The report suggests significant recommendations for a strategic plan on ICT and transport connectivity in rural areas of the Lao PDR
Early-Stage City Climate Project Bankability Diagnostic Tool
No full textThe Early-Stage Urban Climate Project Finance Diagnostic Tool supports cities in the early stages of project development, from concept to pre-feasibility, by applying a project finance perspective to strengthen project viability and “financeability” for external donors and financiers. The tool provides tailored checklists across six key thematic investment areas (built environment, transportation, energy systems, waste & circular economy, and green infrastructure & nature-based solutions) to diagnose project bankability gaps and finance-readiness challenges, as well as sector-specific, actionable recommendations to strengthen project design, improve financial viability, and increase the likelihood of securing climate finance and related support