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ESCAP progress report on gender mainstreaming 2023
No full textESCAP progress report on gender mainstreaming 2022 The present report illustrates the systemic gender mainstreaming efforts ESCAP made in 2023,
highlighting the institutionalized policies, mechanisms and plans that integrated gender
mainstreaming into ESCAP’s organizational culture, structures and processes, and providing
evidence of direct and indirect interventions promoting gender equality in our work
Data governance : practices in Asia and the Pacific
No full textData governance arrangements vary across Asia and the Pacific and data governance practices are continually evolving.
This paper presents a data governance framework with five pillars. The framework provides a basis for describing national data governance arrangements in different countries.
National statistical offices can use the country profiles to consider the role they play in their own country’s national data governance arrangements and how that compares with other countries.
Summary
I. Introduction
II. What is the data governance framework?
PILLAR 1: Vision and policy intent
PILLAR 2: Data management, policies, rules and institutions
PILLAR 3: Role of data custodians and data stewards
PILLAR 4: Data sharing, data accessibility and data integration
PILLAR 5: Data sharing risks and mitigation
III. Uses of the data governance framework
References
Annex 1: New Zealand Data Governance Profile.
List of figures
FIGURE 1: Data Governance Framework.
FIGURE 2: PILLAR 1 – Vision and policy intent.
FIGURE 3: PILLAR 2 – Data management policies, roles and institutions.
FIGURE 4: PILLAR 5 – Data sharing, data integration and related risks.
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Improving energy connectivity in the BBIN subregion with specific focus on the Northeastern Region (NER) of India
Get PDFThe volume of cross border electricity trade (CBET) is currently far less than its potential in the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) subregion. Given their rich renewable energy resource endowments and market complementarities, enhanced CBET can help the subregion in meeting its ever-growing energy demand from green energy sources. The North East Region (NER) of India is particularly well positioned to act as a key supplying market and transit point for CBET in the subregion due to its geographical advantages and renewable energy capacities. Based on an analysis of the current energy mix of the BBIN countries as well as the existing legal and institutional frameworks for cross-border energy cooperation and trade, this paper finds that higher volumes of CBET can be facilitated by strengthening regulatory coordination and institutional architecture for a subregional power trading system. This would also help to create an enabling environment of attracting capital investments into renewable energy sector. A comprehensive policy framework for achieving this goal is proposed including capacity building of power transmission utilities, creation of inclusive subregional CBET coordination committees, and institution of forums for power sector regulators.The volume of cross border electricity trade (CBET) is currently far less than its potential in the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal) subregion. Given their rich renewable energy resource endowments and market complementarities, enhanced CBET can help the subregion in meeting its ever-growing energy demand from green energy sources. The North East Region (NER) of India is particularly well positioned to act as a key supplying market and transit point for CBET in the subregion due to its geographical advantages and renewable energy capacities. Based on an analysis of the current energy mix of the BBIN countries as well as the existing legal and institutional frameworks for cross-border energy cooperation and trade, this paper finds that higher volumes of CBET can be facilitated by strengthening regulatory coordination and institutional architecture for a subregional power trading system. This would also help to create an enabling environment of attracting capital investments into renewable energy sector. A comprehensive policy framework for achieving this goal is proposed including capacity building of power transmission utilities, creation of inclusive subregional CBET coordination committees, and institution of forums for power sector regulators. </p
Accelerating Progress in SDG 7 (Access to Affordable & Sustainable Energy) in the South and South-West Asia
Get PDFThis study investigates the progress of the South and South-West Asia (SSWA) subregion in
achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which targets equitable access to
affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. The SSWA subregion, characterized by its vast
economic and cultural diversity, faces an escalating energy demand due to its rapid economic
growth, making the realization of SDG 7's sub-targets, including universal energy access,
increased renewable energy use, and energy efficiency enhancement, crucial. While some
countries, such as Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India, have exhibited commendable progress,
challenges like energy poverty and reliance on traditional energy sources persist. These issues
are further exacerbated by global crises like COVID-19, climate change impacts, and the geo political tensions, which have collectively contributed to increased volatility in energy prices.
This paper comprehensively analyses SDG 7 status across SSWA countries and offers strategic
recommendations including harnessing innovations and technology, seeking support from
financial institutions and multilaterals, and fostering cross and subregional cooperation to
ensure a collaborative and sustainable energy future for the subregion
Recommended Actions for Promoting Digital Trade Integration in Kazakhstan
No full textThis report outlines a National Action Plan designed to enhance Kazakhstan's digital trade integration within the Asia-Pacific region. Addressing gaps in digital trade policies will foster a more competitive and transparent environment for businesses and investors in Kazakhstan’s digital economy. Using ESCAP’s Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII) framework and database, this paper identifies priority areas for policy attention in Kazakhstan, particularly in cross-border data policies, telecom infrastructure, foreign direct investment (FDI) access, and content regulation. These areas of digital trade regulation in Kazakhstan currently exhibit significantly high compliance costs, which may collectively hinder the country’s ambition to become a leading digital trade hub.
Kazakhstan's stringent cross-border data policies, characterized by strict local data storage mandates and restrictions on data transfers abroad, impose substantial compliance costs on businesses engaged in digital trade.Funded by the Russian Federatio
Impact of disaggregated trade facilitation indicators and individual measures on trade using a structural gravity model
Get PDFThis paper examines the impact of trade facilitation implementation on trade using a structural gravity model, analyzing the effects of over 50 individual measures using a comprehensive dataset from the UN Global Survey on Sustainable and Digital Trade Facilitation. Overall, a 10% improvement in trade facilitation leads to a 13% increase in trade. When disaggregated, trade digitalization measures emerge as the most impactful, potentially doubling the increase in trade compared to basic trade facilitation measures. Sustainable trade facilitation measures, targeting specific groups and sectors, can further enhance the impact of both general and digital measures. At a more granular level, the econometric results highlight the importance of transparency, streamlining formalities, and paperless trade measures. Among individual measures, independent appeal mechanisms, risk management, electronic customs declarations, and transit trade agreements show the most substantial impacts on trade. These specific measures are all identified as having the potential to increase trade by more than 4% when their implementation improves by 10%
Annotated agenda . Nineteenth Session of the SPECA Governing Council
No full textThe Governing Council of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) will hold its 19th session on 8 November 2024 as hybrid session with in-person and online participation. Under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan, seven SPECA participating countries, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will discuss the outcomes of 2022 SPECA Economic Forum and adopt its conclusions and recommendations.Opening of the session by a high-level representative of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the SPECA Chair country in 2024, followed by the opening statements of the Deputy Executive Secretaries of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the Heads of Delegation of the SPECA participating States
Regional Digital Trade Integration Index (RDTII) 2.0 economy profile 2024 : Japan
Get PDFThis brief provides a concise summary of Japan’s digital trade policy profile, benchmarked against the regional average based on data from 21 Asia-Pacific economies included in the ESCAP-ECA-ECLAC Regional Digital Trade Integration Index, version 2 (RDTII 2.0).
It highlights that Japan is generally among the economies with low regulatory compliance costs for cross-border digital trade. Compared to the group average, based on data up to 2023, Japan’s digital trade policies related to non-technical non-tariff measures (NTMs), tariffs and trade defence on ICT goods, content access, and foreign direct investment in sectors relevant to digital trade are relatively enabling. However, compliance costs are relatively high concerning policies on public procurement on ICT goods and services, and online sales and transactions. Additionally, it highlights new policy measures, proposals related to digital trade, and Japan’s participation in trade negotiations involving digital trade.
For more information, please visit Initiative on Digital Trade Regulatory Integration
Rural ICT connectivity in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Get PDFThe Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) launched the project on Digital and Transport Connectivity for the Socioeconomic Resilience of Rural Communities during the post-COVID-19 Period in Asia-Pacific Countries, 2022–2025, to strengthen the capacity of government officials in three pilot countries – Bangladesh, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Samoa – to develop innovative strategies for improving rural digital and transport connectivity for socioeconomic resilience. As one activity of the project, this paper aims to assist in developing strategies for promoting information and communications technology (ICT) connectivity in rural areas of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic is a landlocked country characterized by its mountainous geography. It is located in South-East Asia and is one of the least developed countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In the 9th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021–2025), enhancing ICT connectivity is identified as an essential element across the development agenda, aiming to support socioeconomic development in both urban and rural areas. In response to the policy promoting rural ICT connectivity, foreign investment was attracted to increase the computerization of corporate processes, expand the use of information technology, and develop ICT infrastructure. Despite these advancements, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic was ranked 159 out of 193 countries on the ICT Development Index in 2022. This highlights room for improvement in technology accessibility for public and private sectors and the competitiveness of ICT provision, especially in rural areas.
Against this background, this paper examines the current status of rural ICT connectivity in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, including ICT infrastructure and relevant ICT laws and regulations. The paper includes an analysis of key stakeholders in the field and a gap analysis to outline challenges and opportunities. Lastly, the paper provides recommendations on i) policy enhancements on Internet and telecommunication resources, road map and implementations; ii) expansion of institutions to improve ICT in education; iii) development of human resources strategies to build capacity and secure ICT talent; iv) standardization of technology, including areas on big data, cloud data centre, e-government, Internet of things (IoT), optimal mobile broadband networks, and e-commerce; and v) other recommendations, including the establishment of public-private partnerships, the creation of an ecosystem and the pursuit of regional cooperation.ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................ 6
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................... 7
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS....................................................................................................... 8
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 9
1.1. Background ................................................................................................................................................9
1.2. Objective of research................................................................................................................................10
1.3. Methodology .............................................................................................................................................10
2. STATUS OF CONNECTIVITY IN THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC....... 12
2.1. Status of national Internet connectivity including telecommunication ......................................................12
2.2. Status of rural broadband networks .........................................................................................................14
3. KEY ICT LAWS AND REGULATIONS ............................................................................. 17
3.1. ICT asset management ............................................................................................................................19
3.2. Investment in adoption promotion programmes.......................................................................................19
4. NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLANNING ON ICT.................................................................. 22
4.1. Infrastructure implementation road map...................................................................................................22
5. KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN LAO RURAL ICT CONNECTIVITY........................................ 24
5.1. Public sector.............................................................................................................................................24
5.2. Key business sectors on telecommunications, including the Internet......................................................24
5.3. Institutions in ICT......................................................................................................................................25
6. CHALLENGES AND GAP ANALYSIS ON RURAL ICT CONNECTIVITY........................ 26
6.1. Weak policies and regulations..................................................................................................................26
6.2. Lack of standardized institutions in rural areas ........................................................................................27
6.3. Lack of skilled resources ..........................................................................................................................28
6.4. Lack of standardized technology..............................................................................................................28
6.5. Lack of financial support on strategic implementation .............................................................................29
7. RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................... 30
7.1. Policy and regulation ................................................................................................................................31
7.2. Expansion of institutions...........................................................................................................................31
7.3. Human resources strategy .......................................................................................................................32
7.4. Standardized technology..........................................................................................................................32
7.5. Financial resources ..................................................................................................................................34
7.6. Other recommendations...........................................................................................................................34
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................... 36
APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................... 3