Transforming Lao PDR from a Land-locked to a Land-linked Economy The Lao-China Railway is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). With the right reforms undertaken by the Lao government, the railway connecting Lao PDR (and later Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore) to the vast BRI network could potentially increase aggregate income in Lao PDR by up to 21 percent over the long term ... China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could speed up economic development and reduce poverty for dozens of developing countries—but it must be accompanied by deep policy reforms to mitigate risks.

Understanding the Context

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure projects are expected to cut trade costs and enhance foreign investment in Central Asia and South Caucasus countries. A key issue for countries is how to maximize BRI benefits and minimize risks of unsustainable debt, and environmental and social costs ... Sri Lanka’s recent economic performance has been strong. Despite this, the recovery remains incomplete, with growth still below pre-crisis levels and poverty significantly elevated.

Key Insights

Strengthening the recovery will require continued macroeconomic stability, urgent structural reforms, and more efficient, better-targeted public spending, says the World Bank. The course consists of five modules, being the first on trade, Global Value Chains and regional integration. The second module explores economic aspects of logistics and connectivity, aiming at improved market and logistics efficiency and competitiveness. It also shows the importance of transport corridors and how to enhance their planning and operationalization, analyzing the BRI (Belt and ... The World Bank has approved a $100 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to promote growth and access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Final Thoughts

The Chad Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development and Access to Finance Project will contribute to improving the business climate by, among other things, facilitating business creation, operation of ...