Regional Cooperation and Integration in Asia and the Pacific Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic and “Building Back Better”

Abstract

Unprecedented challenges from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have emphasized the need for Asia and the Pacific countries to work together to build back resiliently and sustainably. This report reflects on lessons learned from efforts to tackle the pandemic through regional cooperation and integration. It provides insights on how region-wide solidarity can be enhanced with the support of multilateral development banks in areas such as trade and investment, connectivity infrastructure, people’s mobility, regional public goods, and policy cooperation. The report was jointly prepared by the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and the World Bank Group.