More Featured: Regional Cooperation and Integration The value-added processing of raw materials within the region prior to export can benefit Central Asian economies. Photo credit: ADB. Improving Cross-Country Connectivity and Trade in the CAREC Region Better transport infrastructure and digitized border clearance procedures are essential to boost regional trade through rapid cargo movement. Strengthening regulatory frameworks is essential for ensuring the swift approval and distribution of vaccines. Photo credit: ADB. Enhancing Vaccine Regulation for Pandemic Preparedness Building regional regulatory capabilities in Asia and the Pacific requires strong oversight and sustained commitment to strengthening vaccine regulatory systems. The expansion of Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port is a major step forward in enhancing maritime links and promoting regional integration for the SAARC countries. Photo credit: ADB. Boosting Regional Integration with Enhanced Multimodal Transport Links Short- and long-term actions in roads, rail, waterways, maritime, and aviation can enhance transport connectivity and promote integration in the SAARC region. More Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Users provide feedback on the digital platform during a stakeholders’ workshop. Photo credit: GreenHub. Reducing Viet Nam’s Plastic Pollution Through Digital Data Access to information, evidence, and policy development help identify situations and monitor the effects of policy interventions. Implementing regulations on single-use and disposable plastic items helps reintegrate all materials into the economy. Photo credit: Asian Development Bank. Scaling Up Support to Reduce Plastic Pollution and Mitigate Climate Change EPR frameworks, plastic credit schemes, and high-level waste management technologies can support the Global Plastics Treaty implementation. About 40% of plastic waste comes from packaging. Photo credit: ADB. Taking Digital Actions Against Plastic for Ecosystem Health Synergizing the efforts of multiple stakeholders to support digitalization will facilitate circular plastic economy transition in the PRC.