Transport Infrastructure and Poverty Reduction Workshop

Post-event Statement

Back to Top

Background

Investment in transport infrastructure has remained a priority area of attention in developing countries. While it is widely assumed that investment in infrastructure contributes to economic growth, there is a shared concern about the limited knowledge base linking infrastructure to poverty reduction. Experience shows that the poor disproportionately miss out on the benefits of infrastructure projects. Indeed, the full benefits of infrastructure investments are often not realized because of inadequate maintenance.

In recent years, considerable research was conducted on the extent and the required conditions for road improvement to help reduce poverty. This workshop aims to:

• take stock of the current knowledge on the relationship between transport infrastructure and poverty reduction,
• review lessons learned and best practices in past and on-going ADB projects, and
• identify policy and operational implications as well as priorities for future research.

The four key thematic areas of the workshop are:

1. Distribution of poverty impact of infrastructure
2. Operation and maintenance of infrastructure
3. Community participation in decision making and maintenance
4. Associated services required by the poor

Back to Top

Objectives

This joint ADBI Research and CBT workshop will review ADB operations in infrastructure and poverty reduction in selected countries. It will provide a forum for researchers, ADB operational staff, and policy makers of ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs) to meet and discuss key findings from research studies and from ADB projects experiences. Key issues will be examined both from the point of view of researchers and practitioners, with a goal of identifying realistic strategies for improving and sustaining poverty reduction impacts of road investments.

Back to Top

Outputs

• 30-40 trained government officials responsible for implementation and planning of ADB-financed road projects and programs
• Pro-poor infrastructure development strategies and supporting policies identified for future incorporation in design and implementation of projects in DMCs
• Research requirements identified and prioritized
• Knowledge network established among the participants and ADB staff to share experiences and expertise in transport infrastructure investments
• Summary of proceedings

Back to Top

Participants

Senior government officials from the planning and executing agencies directly involved in the implementation and evaluation of ADB-assisted projects and activities in infrastructure development. NGO and private sector representatives may also be invited to attend. Targeted countries are expected to include Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, PRC, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor.

Back to Top

Language

English (no interpretation will be provided)

Back to Top

Responsibilities

Each participant will be required to submit a country report on approaches and experiences in road infrastructure investment and poverty reduction in ADB projects. In addition, participants will prepare and make group presentations based on group discussions during the workshop.

Back to Top

Cosponsors

ADB