Innovation for Water Infrastructure Development in the Mekong Region
Water-related infrastructure could contribute significantly to the development of the Mekong region. At the same time, poor water infrastructure could lead to development challenges for the countries in the region. Innovation for Water Infrastructure Development in the Mekong Region discusses the challenges facing the region as well as the possible innovative policy options, including those used in Emerging Asian countries, and with reference to the experiences of OECD member countries. It provides analysis and recommendations for the region’s policy makers to consider in their efforts to improve water infrastructure. The report first provides an overview of the socio-economic contributions and environmental challenges of the Mekong River. It then presents some potential new financing options for the development of water infrastructure, using digital tools such as Fintech and blockchain. It also examines the potential of using the spillover effect of tax revenues to attract private finance. It then goes on to discuss the importance of strengthening water infrastructure resilience against natural disasters, including the current COVID-19 pandemic, and finally analyses the challenges of water regulations in the Mekong region.
Foreword
Expanding access to clean reliable water sources entails a number of direct and indirect economic benefits. Clean reliable water supplies strengthen human capital by improving both health and economic outcomes, and attracting human migration and commerce. According to the latest edition of the Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India, demand for clean water supply and infrastructure remains high throughout the region, and has become an even greater concern in times of COVID-19. Difficulty accessing clean, reliable water means that COVID-19 can spread more easily, with potentially deadly consequences.
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