Recent Discussion Papers

Prospects of India–Bangladesh Economic Cooperation: Implications for South Asian Regional Cooperation
Authors: Biswa Bhattacharyay, Prabir De

To maximize the benefits of the region’s integration into the global economy, South Asia will need to strengthen regional and bilateral cooperation. This paper discusses various opportunities and associated prospects and problems in strengthening the India–Bangladesh economic cooperation and integration agenda in the context of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

Read Discussion Paper 78.

Evolving ASEAN+3 ERPD: Towards Peer Reviews or Due Diligence?
Authors: Cindy Houser, Masahiro Kawai

The ASEAN+3 finance ministers’ group has decided to integrate the economic review and policy dialogue (ERPD) process with the regional liquidity support facility, called the Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI), and has taken steps to transform CMI into a multilateral arrangement that is more independent of IMF programs. To accomplish the required strengthening of the effectiveness of ERPD, the authors recommend a balance between an OECD-type “peer review and peer pressure” approach and an IMF-type “due diligence” approach.

Read Discussion Paper 79.

Infrastructure Challenges in South Asia: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships
Author: Geethanjali Nataraj

This paper examines the existing infrastructure facilities and infrastructure needs of the South Asian region and looks at the role played by public-private partnerships (PPPs) as important tools in enhancing infrastructure development in South Asia. The study points out the constraints to private sector participation in South Asia and looks at the experience of India and a few other countries in the region with respect to PPPs.

Read Discussion Paper 80.