Executive summary

The crucial role of regional cooperation in meeting the future infrastructure requirements of Asian and Pacific countries cannot be overstated. The need for cooperation in the areas of infrastructure creation, maintenance and utilization is well recognized. On the financing side, research reveals that the region will need to find at least $228 billion per year to pay for the infrastructure it plans to build and maintain between 2006 and 2010. Furthermore, assuming a business-as-usual scenario on the availability of assured finances, a gap as large as $180 billion per year between requirement and availability is within the realm of possibility. To bridge the gap, Asian and Pacific countries need to find innovative ways to mobilize finances for infrastructure investment urgently and regional cooperation could be a vehicle for identifying and operationalizing the appropriate instruments and institutions. The conclusion in this study is that status quo might not be able to generate sufficient funding to meet the region’s infrastructure needs.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth