The State of Carbon Pricing in Southeast Asia
December 7, 2023Carbon pricing has become an increasingly popular policy measure used to support growing global efforts to address the causes of climate change and adapt to its consequences. While historically the domain of climate policy in the developed world, evidence shows that carbon pricing instruments (CPIs) are now being seriously considered across the developing world too. This trend extends to Southeast…
Opportunities for the Development of Women-Led Businesses and Clusters via Collective Marks and Certifications Marks
December 7, 2023In Mongolia, micro and small businesses, often led by women entrepreneurs, face various challenges, including a weak supply chain, transportation issues, lack of networks, and barriers to accessing finance, among others. Among the pressing issues are: Investment: A lack of collateral complicates access to loans, while non-bank financial institutions impose exorbitant interest rates, placing businesses at considerable risk. Raw Material…
Adapting to Electricity Shortages—Learning from Yangon Households and Small Businesses
December 7, 2023Access to reliable electricity in Myanmar has long been a challenge, with the 2021 coup exacerbating the situation. As experts predict a worsening crisis, this report delves into the impact on households and small businesses in Yangon, exploring the solutions they employ. The study examines the complexities faced by individuals and small businesses in implementing these solutions, shedding light on…
China
November 29, 2023Drawing upon a strong network that spans the United States and Asia and the Pacific, we work closely with local partners, academics, policymakers, and nonprofits to create a positive impact and contribute to China’s development. The Asia Foundation is committed to strengthening these partnerships to facilitate China’s ability to help foster Asia and the Pacific’s ongoing emergence as a peaceful,…
Korea
November 7, 2023Our office in Seoul tackles key development issues in Korea and the region, including inclusive growth, gender equality, and climate action in partnership with South Korean government agencies, the private sector, and civil society. Our Korea office also facilitates international relations and regional cooperation activities in Northeast Asia.
Women’s Business Center Infographic
November 3, 2023Our Women’s Economic Empowerment project in Mongolia addresses a critical demand from women entrepreneurs to receive business support and development services in an enabling environment that fosters women’s entrepreneurship and supports small and medium businesses as one of the project’s pathways to enhance women’s leadership in the Mongolian economy. The major challenges faced by women entrepreneurs that limit their opportunities…
Pacific Islands
November 1, 2023In the Pacific Islands, The Asia Foundation focuses on supporting Pacific solutions to Pacific challenges. Our programs address priorities by advancing women’s leadership on climate action and disaster management, strengthening regionalism and resilience, countering trafficking in persons, and laying the groundwork for the future of work, including digital literacy and economic opportunities.
Pakistan
November 1, 2023In Pakistan, The Asia Foundation strengthens government and non-government institutions, promotes gender-inclusive programming, and improves citizen-state relations, access to justice, and human rights. We strengthen Pakistan’s civil society organizations and are a key partner in promoting the rule of law, sustainable development, and STEM sectors via programs that enhance access to technology, future skills, and finance.
Bangladesh
November 1, 2023Over the past 70 years, The Asia Foundation has worked with the government, civil society, community, religious leaders, and the private sector in Bangladesh. Together with our partners, we work to tackle community challenges, build leadership capacity that reflects the country’s diversity, and facilitate broad-based participation in the country’s development.
What a Clean Energy Future Demands: A Massive Shift in Critical Minerals and Global Supply Chains
October 23, 2023Several areas of potential cooperation between the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, and the United States need timely attention. These include enhancing collaboration in the security, defense, and diplomatic domains and building new and deeper ties in energy cooperation, critical minerals, and supply chains. Economic and trade cooperation between the ROK, Australia, and the United States will do more than…