The economic and social impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been dramatic, and transport has played a central role in its spread. The transport sector has also enabled essential workers to get to work during the pandemic and will support the needs of the population throughout the different stages of recovery. This guidance note presents (i) the impacts of the pandemic on social and travel behaviors in Asia and the Pacific, and how the transport sector is responding; and (ii) guiding principles and good practices in transport operations to support economic recovery.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has unleashed unparalleled challenges. At the same time, it offers a window to rethink Asia’s most fundamental development policies and strategies to address inequality, socioeconomic vulnerability, and environmental challenges. This publication gathers blogs and short policy pieces contributed by ADB staff and experts in an attempt to tackle immediate challenges and prepare for what may lie beyond the horizon. It covers a broad range of development challenges and highlights the crucial role of rapid adoption of digital technologies, adequate supply of quality infrastructure, disaster risk management, and strengthening regional cooperation for a resilient and sustainable future by shaping post-pandemic conditions.

This synthesis report is the result of close, collaborative research initiated by the Asian Development Bank in partnership with Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada; the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; and the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia. Fourteen background papers were commissioned to investigate food security issues particularly pertinent for Asia and the Pacific. The report synthesizes and collates the primary findings from these papers to articulate key policy challenges and opportunities related to food security in the region.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has devastated tourism in Asia and the Pacific, exposing the region’s dependence on the sector. This publication examines the prepandemic tourism system, the impacts of COVID-19, and how tourism in the region might be reset to contribute more effectively to the Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights six pathways for promoting systemic change in the sector: a value-driven approach, decarbonization, tourism-led regeneration, improved governance, and sustainable finance. It provides concrete recommendations on how policymakers and industry stakeholders can leverage tourism to foster sustainable development and a green recovery in Asia and the Pacific.

This guidance note documents how the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected the transport sector in developing Asia and the Pacific region, from personal mobility and public transport to the aviation industry, among other facets. The unprecedented impact of the pandemic has caused enormous changes to the transport landscape in the region. The guidance note also shares Insights on how the transport sector can help deliver greener and more resilient infrastructure as countries around the world plan for recovery and rejuvenation in the post-pandemic future. It is one of a series produced by the Asian Development Bank for key sectors and thematic areas.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact on global aviation as nearly all air travel came to a halt in late March and April 2020. In Central Asia, virtually all domestic and international air travel were suspended in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19. This crisis provides an opportunity to reset the aviation industry in Central Asia Regional Cooperation (CAREC) countries through reforms, new strategies, and restructurings. This study of the pandemic’s impact on CAREC and the aviation industry looks at the gravity of the situation, explores opportunities, and offers some recommendations for dealing with the crisis and facilitating a fast recovery.