Join us for a conversation with Ramesh Subramaniam on regional dynamics and the Asian Development Bank’s strong partnership in the region’s transformation.
To maintain growth momentum, Southeast Asia needs vast investments in infrastructure – about $210 billion dollars a year according to an Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimate. Current investment levels are substantially less than this. In addition, global economic uncertainties present further challenges as the region is highly dependent on international trade and investment. Southeast Asia is of particular importance to the Asia and Pacific region as a major hub for global supply chains, and has become central to both the US Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The ADB has been a strong partner supporting the region’s transformation over recent decades. For the past year, ADB has focused its support to the region on development of critical infrastructure, human development, rehabilitation after natural disasters, and economic policy reforms. Looking ahead, ADB will continue to support long term growth and prosperity through financing inclusive and climate resilient development, mobilizing private sector investment, and fostering regional cooperation.
On August 28th, Stimson will host ADB’s Director General, Southeast Asia Regional Department, Ramesh Subramaniam for a discussion of these dynamics.
This event is part of the Building the Indo-Pacific series, which convenes thought-leaders from the US, ASEAN, and other Indo-Pacific countries to promote messaging around key FOIP infrastructure and development programs.
Featuring:
H.E. Thani Thongphakdi, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States of America
Mr. Thongphakdi is the Appointed Ambassador of Thailand to the United States of America. Prior to his appointment, he was Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs from 2017-2019. Before that, he was Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva from 2012-2017. He is a career foreign service officer, having joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1987. Read her full bio.
Ramesh Subramaniam, Director General of the Southeast Asia Regional Department of the Asian Development Bank
Ramesh oversees ADB’s relationship and public sector work (including all technical assistance, knowledge generation and dissemination, and grant and loan projects) in all ASEAN members. With ADB for over 20 years, Ramesh has worked on several projects across the Asia-Pacific region. He has a Ph.D. in Economics from McMaster University.
Clara Gillispie, Senior Director of Trade, Economic, and Energy Affairs at The National Bureau of Asian Research
Clara Gillispie leads research, publications, and activities for a range of NBR initiatives, including the Pacific Energy Summit. Her subject-matter expertise focuses on shaping program and research agendas on energy security, trade and innovation policies, public health and the environment, and geopolitical trends in the Asia-Pacific. Ms. Gillispie also serves as the official U.S. delegate to the Energy Research Institute Network, an East Asia Summit-linked network whose inputs are designed the strengthen and inform region-wide energy policy recommendations for the formal East Asia Summit process. Read her full bio.