Asia Regional Integration Center

Iwan Azis, professor and director of Graduate Study in Regional Science, Cornell University, discusses how understanding the intangible sources of policy conflicts can be a key to improving regional cooperation. Confirm participation with Liza Cruz at mlscruz@adb.org.

ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda will give the keynote speech at this joint ADB/ADBI conference, the latest in a number of conferences related to the current global financial crisis and economic downturn. Speakers will analyze the implications of the crisis on structural and institutional policy responses in Asia at the national and regional levels. See agenda. Confirm with Jessaine Sugui at jsugui@adb.org.

The CAREC Institute website offers a new hub of information and knowledge on regional economic cooperation in Central Asia. The site, which is available in Russian and English, contains searchable databases on CAREC’s projects, events, studies and research particularly in the areas of transport, energy and trade. Country pages for each CAREC member country are also provided. Visit the site.

Speaking at a seminar in ADB, Indonesia's Minister of Trade Mari Elka Pangestu emphasized multilateral approaches to enhance trade in Asia and the Pacific. Underlining the significance of ADB's role, the Minister suggested building a network of international economic policy experts and scholars in Asia to promote trade. ADB's Managing Director General Rajat M. Nag, who delivered the welcome remarks, affirmed the importance of such a network given the enormous challenges affecting trade in the region.  Iwan J. Azis, head of ADB's Office of Regional Economic Integration, gave the closing remarks. Download original speech. See video clip.  Listen to full audio.

S. Hamanaka discusses two possible approaches in achieving a region-wide free trade agreement, that of consolidation and expansion. He also proposes four issues for consideration by Trans-Pacific Partnership members for the agreement to evolve into a true region-wide FTA. Visit AIEN's Trade Spotlight blog and read full story. | View other blogs on AIEN Trade Spotlight

On 17 July, 10:30am-12:00pm (Manila time) at the ERD Conference Room, Professor Ralph Christy of Cornell University will discuss small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a driver of economic development and present alternative business development policies for small firms in emerging economies. Register with Liza Cruz.

Jason Ekberg and Yen Chu Cheng will share Oliver Wyman's experience in stress testing and will provide an overview of key industry needs, best practices, and common challenges. Confirm attendance with Josephine Valle-Sison.

Experts will talk about online disclosure system in the Republic of Korea and developing stock market infrastructure in emerging economies. The speakers are Jaehoon Yoo of the Financial Services Commission, Steve Kim and Jinmo Gu of Korea Exchange, Jeongdoo Lee of Financial Supervisory Service, and Seung Min Lee of ADB.