Toward a More Integrated East Asia: Economic Corridors & Infrastructure Connectivity

With the growth of much of the East Asia Pacific (EAP) region having been built on the expansion of exports and foreign direct investment, improving connectivity—intra-regionally as well as globally--is now recognized as the next step in sustaining inclusive growth for the region.  As a result, investment programs and trade initiatives are being put forward, including the Belt & Road, the Silk Road Fund, the TPP trade agreement, and a number of sub-regional connectivity initiatives—including the ASEAN Economic Community’s Connectivity Plan and the Mekong Economic Corridor--are being implemented.  Hear directly from governments in EAP as well as other financiers of trade and economic corridor programs on how plans for regional integration and World Bank initiatives can help improve the quality of cross-border investment planning and economic corridor management.