Sustainable infrastructure a key ingredient for a green economic recovery in Asean

AS GOVERNMENTS around the world reel from the impact of the coronavirus, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a bleak outlook for Asian economies: zero growth for 2020 - a first for the region in 60 years.

Against a looming economic crisis, saving jobs and businesses is the first order of the day for many Asean governments - as seen in the stimulus packages that have been announced. With attention shifted to pressing health and economic needs, Asean's nascent trajectory towards a low carbon economy runs the risk of being derailed.

Prior to the coronavirus, Asean's infrastructure sector was booming and in need of US$210 billion in annual investment till 2030, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The infrastructure sector holds one of the largest green finance opportunities in South-east Asia, in part due to the region's need for infrastructure that is climate resilient and that supports green growth.