In the face of adversity posed by the constantly evolving challenge of COVID-19, 2020 tested our collective resilience. IFC rose to this challenge and beyond in Asia and the Pacific.
As we wrap up an extraordinary year, we look back at creating an engaged private sector. Here’s our round up of the top 10 reads from the region.
A Tailored Solution to Support Small Business in Mongolia
Thousands of small enterprise owners like Bulgan Lkhagvatsend can access tailored solutions to sustain their operations in Mongolia through IFC’s innovative tugrik-currency financing to Transcapital.
A New Financial Lifeline for Tongans
‘Ave Pa’anga Pau, a digital cashless voucher developed by Tonga Development Bank and IFC is helping Tongans ensure more of the money they send home reaches their families, at a time when it’s most needed.
A “Heroic” COVID-19 Testing Campaign in Thailand
Bangkok’s PRINC Suvarnabhumi Hospital, an IFC investee, set up free testing for local taxi drivers, a backbone of Thailand’s public transport next to ensure community health.
A Garment Factory with a Difference
Employer-based childcare doesn’t only make good business sense, it is great for community and child development as well. This factory from Vietnam shows why tackling childcare is a win-win situation for employers and employees alike.
Episode 01: COVID-19 -Testing Our Resilience
Our tourism expert in Fiji, Jessie McComb explains how Fiji’s tourism industry continues to persevere amid the pandemic by changing focus on domestic tourists.
A long journey: IFC’s 50 years in Sri Lanka
This year, IFC completes fifty years of working with Sri Lanka’s dynamic private sector to create sustainable change. Everything you need to know about #IFC50inLKA here.
‘Our immediate focus is preserving livelihoods and minimizing the destruction of markets’: Amena Arif, IFC
For the heavily tourism-reliant island nation, the Maldivian tourism industry has dealt a critical blow amid the pandemic. How has IFC been working to rebuild the nation’s fragile economy? Amena Arif, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives tells more.
Nepal’s Largest Biogas Plant Adapts to COVID-19
A Nepali Bio Gas company that was reliant on the hospitality industry pre COVID-19, now supports institutions that are saving lives and feeding people by taking on clients like hospitals and farmers.
First Person: Bangladesh’s Road to Recovery
Three young entrepreneurs from Bangladesh on sustaining their business and keeping jobs in the new normal.
Reviving a Waterway Creates a New Freight Market for India
Did you know? It costs 1 cent per kilometer to carry a ton of freight by waterway, compared to 2 cents by rail and 3 cents by road in India. A Public Private Partnership promotes regional economic growth and introduces opportunities for private investment.
