The Impact and Policy Responses for COVID-19 in Asia and the Pacific

Abstract

COVID-19 is spreading across the world at alarming speed. This is an unprecedented crisis and calls for unprecedented measures. It is affecting the global economy, hitting manufacturing and service sectors alike, with huge impacts on the labor force. Its impact on vulnerable individuals and housholds who are already bordering poverty may widen inequality gaps and even entrench people in poverty. The impact of COVID-19 in Asia-Pacific is tremendous due to the concentration of economic activties, demographics, urbanization, and difficult progress on SDGs. With more than two-thirds of global population, the world’s most populous cities, the bulk of the world’s industrial activities, energy supply and consumption, and with 46 million migrants, the crisis has shown how tightly the Asia-Pacific region is woven into the economic and social fabric of the world. However, it also shows how quick action, steadfast policies and innovation, displayed by several Asian countries, can effectively deal with this unprecedented outbreak. This note summarizes the key impact of COVID-19 in the Asia Pacific region and suggests some short- and medium-term recommendations for consideration by member States. The note approaches the recommendations through the prism of sustainable development, addressing the economic, social and environmental pillars. It highlights the need for regional cooperation and coordination amongst countries in the Asia Pacific region.