Asia, Central Asia and the Black Sea regions are undergoing significant change. 

While Southeast Asia has been among the most favourable destinations for industrial relocation, the emergence of low-cost competitors like China and India has forced middle-income countries of the region to find ways to move up the chain value and remain competitive.

The Black Sea and Central Asia regions have benefitted from their position between Europe and Asia but remain vulnerable to external shocks.

In order to help foster the contribution of the private sector to such structural transformation of the regions’ transition economies, the Centre proposes to launch a new series of Business for Development specifically dedicated to them. The Centre will also launch a new Regional Outlook, with the initial focus on Southeast Asia.