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321. Promoting Fair Competition in ASEAN’s Digital Economy: Strengthening Policies for a Level Playing Field

Author:
Mahirah Mahusin and Hilmy Prilliadi
Publication Date:
11-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Abstract:
ASEAN’s digital economy is growing rapidly, offering both significant opportunities and challenges. Ensuring a competitive digital market is essential for fostering innovation, reducing costs, and enhancing product quality and choice for consumers and businesses, particularly MSMEs. This policy brief assesses the current digital market competition landscape in ASEAN, emphasising the need for robust competition policies to mitigate anti-competitive behaviours and establish a level playing field. It discusses key initiatives like the ASEAN Competition Action Plan (ACAP) 2025 and the ASEAN Guidelines for Sharing Merger Cases, while examining the complexities of digital markets, including the influence of dominant platforms, algorithmic impacts, and data privacy considerations. Policy recommendations focus on aligning provisions in the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) with regional standards and international best practices, enhancing regulatory capabilities, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting consumer education and protection.
Topic:
Digital Economy, Innovation, ASEAN, Economic Competition, and Digital Marketplace
Political Geography:
Asia

322. Global Minimum Tax: Policy Impact on Investment Promotion and Incentives in ASEAN Member States

Author:
Sufian Jusoh and Intan Murnira Ramli
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Abstract:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States are some of the most important foreign direct investment destinations in the world. Investment in ASEAN Member States covers all four pillars of investment typology: natural resources, market-seeking, export oriented, and strategic assets. Key sectors – such as semiconductors, tourism, consumer products, e-commerce, banking, and commodities (e.g. nickel) – are expected to benefit from this trend. Many of the investors in ASEAN are multinational enterprises, and multinational enterprises earning €750 million or more in two of the four fiscal years, are now subject to the Global Minimum Tax (GMT) in more than 140 jurisdictions around the world. With the introduction of the GMT, ASEAN Member States must rethink their incentives and investment promotion strategies to maintain their competitive edge over other foreign direct investment destinations around the globe.
Topic:
Tax Systems, Investment, ASEAN, and Incentives
Political Geography:
Asia

323. Empowering Micro Businesses in Southeast Asia: Addressing Challenges and Harnessing Opportunities for ASEAN Economic Integration

Author:
Haris Zuan, Muhammad Falik Abd Razak, and Intan Murnira Ramli
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Abstract:
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Southeast Asia’s private sector, with microbusinesses comprising a significant majority. However, many operate informally, posing challenges for state recognition and assistance, particularly when youth manage these enterprises. More available data are needed to prioritise microbusinesses within economic policy. Nonetheless, microenterprises stand to benefit significantly from the region’s robust digital, transportation, and cultural connectivity, making enhancements in these areas crucial for their success. To address these challenges, policy recommendations focus on empowering youth in the micro-economy through digital inclusion initiatives and greater participation in decision-making processes. Additionally, enhancing cross-border payment systems is essential for promoting innovation and digitalisation in payment systems. Standard harmonisation, the adoption of shared data frameworks, and regulatory frameworks are necessary for facilitating faster cross-border transactions and minimising disruptions in payment systems.
Topic:
Business, Regional Integration, ASEAN, Economic Integration, and Inclusion
Political Geography:
Asia

324. Good Regulatory Practice in Indonesia

Author:
Ridha Aditya Nugraha, Eri Yoga Sidharta, Luki Safriana, Dian Ayu Aryani, and Vicia Sacharissa
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Abstract:
This policy brief discusses the implementation and impact of the Online Single Submission (OSS) system in Indonesia, developed under the auspices of the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board or Ministry of Investment (BKPM), which has streamlined the business licensing process and improved regulatory quality. The OSS system serves as a centralised platform for businesses to register and acquire licenses, particularly benefiting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The digital economy in Indonesia, especially the e-commerce sector, is experiencing significant growth, with projections indicating substantial increases in gross merchandise value (GMV). The OSS system has positively impacted Indonesia's regulatory quality and improved the perception of the government's competence in supporting the private sector's growth. This policy brief recommends enhancing the implementation of the OSS system, promoting public participation, facilitating interagency coordination, and conducting regular monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact of Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) as implemented within OSS system on e-commerce sector.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Regulation, Innovation, and Online Single Submission
Political Geography:
Indonesia, Asia, and Southeast Asia

325. Blue Economy in Myanmar

Author:
Zaw Oo and Ngu Wah Win
Publication Date:
01-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
Abstract:
Myanmar’s commitment to the Blue Economy is driven by the Sustainable Development Goals, and it has developed a long-term plan to guide its efforts in reaching these goals. Myanmar’s vision of a Blue Economy involves various sectors, such as fisheries, tourism, and energy. However, the sustainable development of these sectors is facing many challenges, such as conflicts in coastal townships and the departure of foreign businesses. Myanmar must actively seek international cooperation with neighbouring countries and organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to form a stronger framework for sustainable use of ocean resources; invest in research, data collection, and capacity building; and strengthen the governance of Marine Protected Areas.
Topic:
Environment, ASEAN, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development
Political Geography:
Asia, Southeast Asia, and Myanmar

326. Recalibrating Coastal West Africa’s Response to Violent Extremism

Author:
Daniel Eizenga and Amandine Gnanguênon
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
Extremist violence in the Sahel is spilling over into coastal West African countries. Governments in coastal West African countries play the leading role in responding to this threat by proactively strengthening ties with local communities in vulnerable regions. Regional security cooperation can bolster national defenses through intelligence sharing, coordinating border patrols, and training focused on community protection. Forging a multitiered strategy—linking support to communities with regional and international bodies—would help contextualize local responses while sustaining regional cooperation to address the complex threat posed by violent extremist groups.
Topic:
Regional Cooperation, Violent Extremism, Countering Violent Extremism, and Security Cooperation
Political Geography:
Africa, West Africa, and Sahel

327. The Regional Security Imperative to Protect the Congo Basin

Author:
Denis Mahonghol
Publication Date:
11-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Abstract:
The rapid degradation of the Congo Basin rainforests poses a threat to the livelihoods of millions who rely on the forests’ resources and the regulating role the forests play for African rain patterns and carbon sequestration. Weak forest management is empowering transnational organized criminal networks and armed militant groups who are playing an increasingly central role in resource extraction from the Congo Basin. Illicit logging, mining, and wildlife trade in the Congo Basin is enabled by the complicity of senior public officials who profit from their positions overseeing the management of these national resources. Better management and protection of the Congo Basin rainforests will require enhanced forest domain awareness as well as realigning the incentives for local communities, public officials, and international logging interests.
Topic:
Natural Resources, Organized Crime, Regional Security, Logging, and forests
Political Geography:
Africa and Democratic Republic of the Congo

328. Accelerating National Value Chains Through a Better Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement in Cameroon

Author:
Adeline Nembot, Sandrine Viesi Maingeh, and Jean-Cedric Kouam
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Nkafu Policy Institute
Abstract:
Like most African countries, Cameroon, a country endowed with abundant human and natural resources, has for decades been grappling with the challenge of developing and strengthening its national value chains. Value chains refer to the sequence of activities that create value for a product or service, from the raw material to the final consumer. Indeed, Cameroon’s national value chains face numerous difficulties, including poor infrastructure, limited access to finance, lack of diversification, lack of skilled labor and corruption (1). This results to low levels of processing and value addition, leading to low export prices and high import bills. This is particularly the case for the country’s cocoa bean exports, which are processed and sold elsewhere and therefore make only a small contribution to GDP (15%) (2) Fortunately, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, signed by Cameroon in 2020, appears to be a significant opportunity to accelerate its national value chains. Indeed, this agreement aims to promote intra-African trade and economic integration by eliminating tariffs on intra-African trade, facilitating the movement of goods and services, and encouraging investment. From this perspective, this article seeks to explore how Cameroon can position itself to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the implementation of the AfCFTA on its national value chains. In doing so, it will highlight to African leaders and governments, economic operators and national and multinational companies the importance of developing their manufacturing sector and achieving the target of 30% of GDP by 2030. This article presents the trade and economic profile of Cameroon in Section 2, the role of the AfCFTA in promoting Cameroon’s value chains in Section 3, and the conclusion in Section 4.
Topic:
Regional Cooperation, Natural Resources, Free Trade, and Value Chains
Political Geography:
Africa and Cameroon

329. The government’s AI technology dilemma: Developing technology and safeguarding against the negative effects of proliferating technology

Author:
İbrahim Semih Akçomak
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
In this policy brief, the intervention methods of governments in the rapidly developing artificial intelligence market will be analyzed and the possible actions in Türkiye for the development of artificial intelligence technologies will be discussed. The brief will be concluded with policy recommendations.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Research and Development
Political Geography:
Turkey and Middle East

330. Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Governance in the Context of Ongoing Digitalization

Author:
Erkan Saka
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
This policy brief will examine the impact of artificial intelligence on governance in the context of ongoing digital transformation, reflect on how to balance between leveraging AI’s benefits and maintaining a human-centered approach to governance and develop recommendations.
Topic:
Governance, Artificial Intelligence, and Digitalization
Political Geography:
Global Focus

331. Assessing the Relationship between Artificial Intelligence and Female Labor Force from a Perspective of Social Equality

Author:
Mehtap Hisarciklilar
Publication Date:
09-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
This policy brief examines the potential AI-driven transitions on women in the workforce, with a focus on gender inequalities. It discusses the threats and opportunities posed by AI and develops policy recommendations.
Topic:
Labor Issues, Women, Artificial Intelligence, Equality, and Digitalization
Political Geography:
Global Focus

332. Urban Governance and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Interaction for Local Democracy

Author:
Itır Akdoğan
Publication Date:
08-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
This policy brief discusses how the interaction of responsible artificial intelligence (RAI) and urban governance can democratize cities while providing policy recommendations.
Topic:
Governance, Democracy, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability
Political Geography:
Global Focus

333. The Journey of Data in Gender Equality: Examples from Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys

Author:
Iknur Yüksel-Kaptanoğlu
Publication Date:
04-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
This brief prepared within the scope of the Exploring Data for Gender Equal Cities project carried out with the support of the Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul, presents the gender equality sensitivity progress in the journey of data from the research question to the advocacy stage.
Topic:
Governance, Inequality, Sustainability, and Gender
Political Geography:
Global Focus

334. New Approaches to Data Production for Monitoring and Mitigating Gender Inequality

Author:
Özge Aktaş Mazman
Publication Date:
03-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
This brief prepared within the scope of the Exploring Data for Gender Equal Cities project carried out with the support of the Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul, presents new perspectives.
Topic:
Governance, Inequality, Sustainability, Data, and Gender
Political Geography:
Global Focus

335. How to Best Manage Data for Transformative Equality Policies?

Author:
Itır Akdoğan
Publication Date:
03-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV)
Abstract:
In this brief prepared within the scope of the Exploring Data for Gender Equal Cities project carried out with the support of the Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul, data processes in equality policies are discussed and recommendations are put forward for decision makers to develop transformative policies.
Topic:
Inequality, Cities, Decision-Making, Equity, and Gender
Political Geography:
Global Focus

336. The consequences of granting PNTR to Kazakhstan

Author:
Simon Commander
Publication Date:
06-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Center for Social and Economic Research - CASE
Abstract:
This policy brief examines why the US has not yet granted Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to Kazakhstan, even though Kazakhstan joined the WTO in 2015. Both countries seem eager to resolve this issue. While the immediate benefits to trade and investment might be limited, granting PNTR could attract more US investment in the future. However, this would require Kazakhstan to implement complementary policies, such as further privatization and reducing the influence of politically connected businesses. Additionally, there is significant potential to improve the business environment in Kazakhstan, even if political reforms towards greater democracy are unlikely. Since 2022, Russia’s shift eastwards and China’s use of Kazakhstan as a trade route to Europe have greatly increased trade and investment from both countries. In this context, granting PNTR would support mutual engagement between the US and Kazakhstan and help Kazakhstan balance its trade relations amid growing global polarization.
Topic:
Macroeconomics, Trade, WTO, and Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR)
Political Geography:
Central Asia and Kazakhstan

337. Meeting Skill Needs for the Global Green Transition: A Role for Labour Migration?

Author:
Samuel Huckstep and Helen Dempster
Publication Date:
01-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Center for Global Development (CGD)
Abstract:
The green transition will generate an enormous demand for workers. This paper reviews demand for, and supply of, skills relevant to the green transition in five countries in the Global South and five in the Global North. It focuses on the installation and maintenance workforce needed in two sectors: solar photovoltaic panels and heat pumps. It finds that in almost all of the 10 countries studied, supply of the necessary skilled workers is unlikely to meet demand. In particular, Global North countries, which must cut more emissions sooner, face challenges in obtaining sufficient workers against a backdrop of ageing populations. If green transition targets are to be met, migration is likely to be needed as a complement to domestic training and reskilling. Given that the shortage of green-skilled workers is global, however, migration must be accompanied by support for training and retaining workers at home.
Topic:
Climate Change, Environment, Migration, Labor Issues, and Green Transition
Political Geography:
Global Focus

338. Mind the Gap: Bridging the Divide between Cooperation Providers

Author:
Beata Cichocka, Rachael Calleja, Sara Casadevall Bellés, and Emma Mawdsley
Publication Date:
01-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Center for Global Development (CGD)
Abstract:
Despite the increasing imperative for cross-provider collaboration, the quest for a truly “global” development paradigm remains elusive, marked by persistent divides between different types of development providers’ normative frameworks, models, experiences, capacities, and institutional allegiances. This paper explores the potential role of countries to act as bridges across these varying institutional, normative, or technical “distances” between providers. We begin by examining why, when, and under what conditions countries choose to act as bridges, given their differing capacities, credibility, knowledge, and willingness to act in the role. We then identify some common types and illustrative examples of bridging countries, including “dual donors,” “development experience” bridges, “political” bridges, and “geographic or cultural” bridges, and explore some of the most common types of actions that they can undertake. While all of these actions—whether joint project implementation, hosting forums, brokering agreements, or contributing to the creation of more inclusive norms and multilateral spaces— require some level of both political and technical commitment, they vary in terms of the level of ambition and mutual trust required to undertake action and therefore provide a broad range of options suited to a variety of contexts, agendas, and actors wishing to play a bridging role. Following a brief examination of the benefits and risks associated with bridging, the paper concludes with some policy recommendations for bridging countries that wish to approach this ambitious challenge more strategically.
Topic:
Development, Government, Donors, and Collaboration
Political Geography:
Global Focus

339. How Donors Can Better Support Urban Refugees in Kampala and Nairobi

Author:
Johnstone Kotut, Anneleen Vos, Helen Dempster, and Harrison Tang
Publication Date:
03-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Center for Global Development (CGD)
Abstract:
The majority of refugees worldwide live in urban areas. It is often assumed that these urban-based refugees are self-reliant, and therefore no longer require external support. This paper challenges this assumption by reviewing secondary literature on the experience of 136,887 refugees who live in Kampala, Uganda and the 96,348 refugees who live in Nairobi, Kenya. It identifies three distinct challenges that these urban-based refugees face compared to their camp- and settlement-based peers: access to essential services without recognised documentation, access to decent housing, and access to social and professional networks. It then reviews whether and how the largest bilateral and multilateral donors in Uganda and Kenya support urban-based refugees, and concludes by offering recommendations for those donors interested in expanding their support. While this paper and its recommendations have specific relevance for those urban-based refugees in Kampala and Nairobi, they have broader relevance to urban refugee populations in all low- and middle-income countries.
Topic:
Migration, Refugees, Displacement, and Donors
Political Geography:
Uganda, Kenya, and Africa

340. Maximising EU Concessional Finance for Greater Leverage and Impact: An Options Spread

Author:
Mikaela Gavas, Samuel Pleeck, Andrew Rogerson, San Bilal, and Karim Karaki
Publication Date:
03-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Center for Global Development (CGD)
Abstract:
Already constrained by the economic aftershocks of COVID-19, the impact of the war in Ukraine, and the food and climate crisis, low-income countries and lower-middle-income countries now face a combination of soaring debt and high interest rates. Confronted with insufficient liquidity to respond to these challenges and unable to access capital markets, they need additional concessional finance, in the form of grants and soft loans. The European Union (EU) already provides concessional finance, but it is not nearly enough to respond to their growing needs. With European budgets under more strain than ever, this paper puts forward the case for finding ways to maximise the overall efficiency and impact of European concessional finance and in doing so, better articulating and combining grants and concessional loans in its support and investment toolbox. To remain relevant and maintain relationships and influence with partner countries–even more in a world characterised by the polycrisis and geopolitical fragmentation–the EU will have to step up its game when it comes to providing more strategic concessional finance. The paper sets out six complementary and non-mutually exclusive options for maximising EU concessional finance with a view to a strategic set of decisions to be made for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework.
Topic:
Development, European Union, Financial Institutions, and Sustainable Development
Political Geography:
Europe