COVID-19 impacts on Trade and Development in South and Southeast Asian countries

This note aims to provide information on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Trade and Development in South and Southeast Asian countries. Since 2020, multiple sectors have been affected by the disruption in global value chains. The note indicates two major sectors of South and Southeast Asian countries that suffered from great loss amidst the crisis: garment exports and tourism revenues. On top of that, it denotes MSMEs and Women as the most vulnerable groups that should be targeted by recovery measures. Finally, the note summarises ongoing discussions at the WTO related to sustainable trade recovery from COVID-19 pandemic.