The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has identified 19 projects in seven countries for its initial pipeline of potential regional infrastructure projects, with the bulk going to Myanmar, Lao PDR, Indonesia, and Thailand.
The ASEAN unveiled June 10 the list of projects in the Initial Rolling Priority Pipeline of Potential ASEAN Infrastructure Projects (Initial Pipeline) under the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.
The initial list of projects will complement and strengthen the existing economic and transport corridors by enhancing connectivity and mobilizing investments, according to an ASEAN statement. The projects form part of the overall infrastructure network necessary to achieve the vision of ASEAN Connectivity.
The projects have satisfied a set of screening criteria and are expected—if certain pre-conditions are met—to attract robust investments.
The list covers transport, energy, and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors which will potentially contribute to improving the movement of people, services, goods and innovations among the ASEAN member states.
Of the 19 projects, five are in Myanmar, four of them road projects and one a power project. Lao PDR has four (two power and two road projects), Indonesia has three (two port projects and one airport project), and Thailand also has three, consisting of road, railway, and ICT projects. Vietnam has two road projects, while Cambodia and Brunei have one road project each.
Despite being one of the world’s fastest growing regions, ASEAN still faces budget constraints and competing demands for resources to address infrastructure investment needs.
ASEAN, with technical support from the World Bank and funding support from the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program Phase II, developed the Initial Pipeline through a process to identify and prioritize infrastructure projects at the regional level.
ASEAN member states submitted projects based on their respective national priorities. Through an assessment process of the projects’ strategic relevance, impact on regional connectivity, environmental and social impact (E&S), project feasibility, and contracting agencies’ implementation capacity, 19 projects have been selected for inclusion in the initial pipeline.
An analysis will be undertaken to determine the appropriate funding/financing options for each project. Pre-feasibility studies, which will include an initial E&S and economic impact assessment, will be carried out for projects that require more detailed supporting studies.
Many of the 19 projects are in the early stages of development, and further studies may be needed to determine or verify their underlying economic robustness and identify the risks before a decision is taken to implement these projects.
As a ”rolling” pipeline, projects can be rolled in or rolled out of the pipeline. New projects can be submitted for future iterations to roll into the pipeline, and existing projects with limited progress or changes in circumstances can be rolled out.
The Initial Pipeline, with financing options and pre-feasibility studies, will be officially launched in November 2019.
Photo: Motelcambodia
