Financial Access of Women-owned Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Viet Nam

This study is part of the Women Accelerating Vibrant Enterprises in Southeast Asia and the Pacific (WAVES) program of the Asian Development Bank, supported by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi). It examines how policy, market practices, products, and data shape women entrepreneurs’ access to finance—drawing on interviews with financial institutions and stakeholders, portfolio reviews, […]
Fiji’s Gender Inclusive Finance Report

Fiji’s Gender Inclusive Finance Report On 11 September 2025, the Reserve Bank of Fiji launched the Gender Inclusive Finance Report—a milestone in Fiji’s journey toward a more inclusive and equitable financial system. The study assesses supply-side, regulatory, and structural barriers that limit women’s access to and participation in formal financial services, and outlines practical opportunities […]
Addressing Insurance Gaps for Women in the Pacific

The publication looks at how addressing women’s distinctive risk protection needs and leveraging their roles as financial decision-makers can unlock an underserved market. It highlights how this can enhance women’s financial security while also driving broader economic stability and regional growth. Please find the report here.
Can Digital Technology Strengthen Inclusivity in Plastic Waste Management? Evidence from Indonesia and Viet Nam

By Meloni, Caterina; Baker, James; Davis, Christopher. This brief shows how Indonesia and Viet Nam can increase the use of digital solutions to help women boost plastic waste management, improve their income stability, and accelerate the push toward a circular economy. Highlighting the importance of women as household waste managers and informal waste collectors, the […]
Financial Access of Women-owned Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Viet Nam

This study is part of the Women Accelerating Vibrant Enterprises in Southeast Asia and the Pacific (WAVES) program of the Asian Development Bank, supported by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi). It examines how policy, market practices, products, and data shape women entrepreneurs’ access to finance—drawing on interviews with financial institutions and stakeholders, portfolio reviews, […]
Sustainable Fashion in Southeast Asia Spins Lucrative Opportunity

Sustainable Fashion in SEA Spins Lucrative Opportunity: Just because secondhand is cheaper doesn’t mean the business opportunities are smaller By Anne Somanas Globally, the fashion industry accounts for 8-10% of global carbon emissions. The scale of damage to the environment is tremendous, but so is the opportunity for implementing circular economy models. Earlier this year, […]
Energy Efficient Refrigeration Project Launches with Low Carbon Energy Solutions for Thai F&B Sector

Energy Efficient Refrigeration Project Launches with Low Carbon Energy Solutions for Thai F&B Sector In an exciting joint effort on a national scale between the United Kingdom and Thailand, the Energy Efficient Refrigeration Project, or known by its project title as “Yenergy” aims to both reduce carbon energy consumption and boost economic growth, one refrigerator […]
The Emergence of Smart Cities in Southeast Asia

#ASEAN moves into the future by transforming its vibrant cities into #SmartCities. As #urbanization meets #digitalization , the regional bloc is integrating technologies into the local fabric to better city lifestyle and improve #wellbeing among citizens.
Fridge For Future: Thailand’s YENERGY Project and Energy Efficiency

The energy-efficient refrigeration project brings Thailand closer to a #sustainable future, while businesses benefit from cheaper utility bills and an opportunity to reduce their #carbonfootprint