40008170 World Bank Brief English 200666 2026-10-09T04:00:00Z Indonesia continued to reduce poverty, fueled by robust economic growth. The national poverty rate was 8.1 percent in March 2026, down by 0.4 percentage points from the previous year. Welfare gains have disproportionately benefited the lower end of the distribution since the pandemic recovery. The bottom 40 percent experienced average real consumption growth above 4 percent annually since 2022, outpacing other income groups, particularly those in the middle of the distribution. Stronger farming incomes, economic stimulus measures, and food assistance programs have supported the recent poverty gains. Indonesia Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 Indonesia Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 099638104212531827 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099638104212531827/null 40008179 World Bank Brief English 200675 2026-10-09T04:00:00Z The Lao PDR made significant progress in poverty reduction in the last two decades. The national poverty rate decreased from 27.6 percent in 2007 to 15.0 percent in 2024. The poverty rate at the lower-middle-income poverty line of $4.2 per day (in 2021 PPP) declined from 58.5 percent to 22.5 percent during the same period, and to a projected 19.5 percent in 2026. Inequality measured by the Gini index decreased from its peak of 39 in 2018 to 35 in 2024, reversing a two-decade upward trend. The Prosperity Gap, a measure of shared prosperity introduced by the World Bank to determine the average factor by which an individual's income must increase to reach a prosperity standard of $28 per day (in 2021 PPP), also declined from 8.6 to 5.1 during 2007–2024. Lao People's Democratic Republic Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 Lao People's Democratic Republic Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 099649004212510131 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099649004212510131/null 40008214 World Bank Brief English 200696 2026-10-08T04:00:00Z Malaysia made further progress in reducing poverty and fully reversed the pandemic-era setback, with the national poverty rate declining from 6.2 percent in 2022 to 5.1 percent in 2024, below its pre-pandemic level. Poverty fell in both urban and rural areas, although rural poverty remained nearly three times higher than urban poverty (9.9 versus 3.7 percent). While all states recorded improvements, poverty remained concentrated in Sabah (17.7 percent), Kelantan (11.5 percent), Kedah (8.5 percent), and Sarawak (8.4 percent), underscoring persistent geographic disparities in living standards and access to economic opportunities. Malaysia Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 Malaysia Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 099735404212512994 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099735404212512994/null 40008410 World Bank Brief English 200756 2026-10-08T04:00:00Z Viet Nam’s transformation into a dynamic, modern economy ranks among the most striking development stories of recent decades. Since the Đổi Mới reforms of 1986, rising agricultural productivity, improved human capital, and sustained investment have enabled workers to move from subsistence agriculture into manufacturing and services. Living standards have improved broadly, extreme poverty has been nearly eradicated, and a sizable middle class, now exceeding one-quarter of the population, has emerged. Viet Nam Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 Viet Nam Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 099533304222533756 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099533304222533756/null 40008198 World Bank Brief English 200689 2026-10-08T04:00:00Z Myanmar’s path to recovery remains fragile, with economic conditions continuing to constrain poverty reduction. Real GDP is estimated to have contracted by 2.0 percent in FY2025/26, following the earthquake and amid persistent conflict and macroeconomic constraints. National poverty is estimated at 29.9 percent in 2025, or 16.4 million people. While this represents a modest improvement from 2024, poverty remains well above pre-2021 levels, leaving many households with limited resilience to further shocks. Myanmar Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 Myanmar Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 099712404212532511 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099712404212532511/null 40008328 World Bank Brief English 200716 2026-10-08T04:00:00Z Nepal has achieved remarkable poverty reduction over the past decade. Based on the country’s updated national poverty line, the poverty headcount rate was 20.3% in 2022 (about 6 million people). Comparable numbers show a substantial improvement in the poverty rate from 25.2% in 2010 to 3.6% in 2022. Extreme poverty, defined by the $3.00/day threshold, fell to 2.4% in 2022, while the $4.20/day poverty rate dropped to 9.1% and is projected to decline further to 6.4% by 2026. Living standards have improved across multiple dimensions, reflected in greater access to electricity, shorter travel times to public hospitals, and expanded paved road networks. Nepal Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 Nepal Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 099236304222515459 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099236304222515459/null 40008395 World Bank Brief English 200744 2026-10-08T04:00:00Z Thailand has achieved rapid poverty reduction, with the headcount rate at the upper-middle-income line ($8.30 per day, 2021 PPP) falling from 74 percent in 1990 to 11.7 percent in 2024. Three factors drove this decline. Export-led industrialization moved workers out of agriculture into better-paid jobs, with median real wages growing annually by 2.9 percent between 1991 and 2025, and the largest gains concentrated at the bottom of the distribution. Agricultural modernization raised rural incomes. A strong social policy focus in the 2000s, notably universal health coverage and rural credit, protected households and built human capital. Thailand Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 Thailand Poverty and Equity Brief : October 2026 099503004222538328 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099503004222538328/null 40132030 Nguyen, Thu-Ha Thi Brief English 215639 2026-10-08T04:00:00Z Growth accelerated to 9.9 percent in Q3-2026, driven by industry, construction and strong investment, but its import intensity kept the external balance under pressure. Meanwhile, softer reported export orders can signal future moderation of the external momentum, while higher oil prices are keeping inflation elevated at 5.1 percent. Tight domestic financial conditions continued to raise borrowing costs across corporate and government bond markets. The balance of payments weakened in the first half of 2026, driven by the current account deficit as imports accelerated, although the exchange rate remained broadly stable. Viet Nam Macro Monitoring Viet Nam Macro Monitoring 099014110082634935 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099014110082634935/null 40131374 Mijiyawa, Abdoul Ganiou Joshi, Nayan Krishna Dongol, Prabin Report English 215516 2026-10-07T04:00:00Z This report reviews Nepal’s recent economic developments and highlights the significant impact of the August 2026 flood on the country’s economic outlook. While Nepal maintained overall macroeconomic stability, the flood caused widespread loss of life, extensive infrastructure damage, and disruptions to energy, transportation, trade, tourism, and local livelihoods. The report notes that economic growth is expected to slow in the short term as the effects of the disaster continue to affect key sectors, with recovery supported by ongoing reconstruction efforts. Risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside, including delays in relief and infrastructure restoration, financial sector vulnerabilities, and external uncertainties that could affect remittance inflows and economic activity. The report emphasizes that recovery should extend beyond rebuilding damaged assets and adopt a “Build Differently” approach that incorporates multi-hazard risk assessments, resilient infrastructure planning, stronger monitoring and early warning systems, improved disaster-risk financing, enhanced regional cooperation, and greater resilience in critical transport, energy, and communication networks to support sustainable development and reduce future disaster risks in Nepal. Nepal Development Update : Building Back Differently for the Future Nepal Development Update : Building Back Differently for the Future 099514210052618832 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099514210052618832/null 40131899 Le, Sang Minh Pham, Hai Van Pham, Giang Ngan Le, Ha Hong Report English 215614 2026-10-07T04:00:00Z This study on health data governance in Viet Nam adopted a mixed-methods approach to: (i) examine strengths and weaknesses in the legal framework for health data governance; (ii) analyze the major challenges health facilities encounter in complying with data management regulations; and (iii) propose actionable and context-specific recommendations to support the Ministry of Health in strengthening health data governance. The country has made significant strides in developing a comprehensive framework to govern health data, which is anchored in laws and decrees covering cybersecurity, digital transformation, health-sector-specific regulations, and personal data protection. The regulations mandate common standards, consent, data rights, security measures, and integration with national identity systems. Yet, regulatory gaps come to light when benchmarking Viet Nam’s framework against the eight Global Health Data Governance Principles. These gaps include a lack of detailed implementation guidelines, especially for de-identification and anonymization, protection of marginalized groups, promotion of data sharing and interoperability, and enhancement of multi-sectoral partnerships; insufficient safeguards against discrimination, bias, and inappropriate data use; and, limited transparency around data breaches and exceptions to informed consent. The study identifies three critical challenges for health facilities in Viet Nam to meet international good practice: inadequate infrastructure for health data digitalization; limited capacity in health facilities for digital health data management; and inadequate financing hinders health data development and services. Recommendations for strengthening health data governance include streamlining the regulatory framework, ensuring sustainable financing for health data infrastructure and services, building capacity for health data management, fostering engagement and accountability for health data management, and elaborating a clear roadmap for strengthening the governance of health data. Health Data Governance in Viet Nam : From Regulations to Compliance Challenges Health Data Governance in Viet Nam : From Regulations to Compliance Challenges 099743010072630095 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099743010072630095/null 40131270 World Bank Country Private Sector Diagnostics English 215502 2026-10-05T04:00:00Z Indonesia has achieved rapid economic growth and substantial poverty reduction over the past five decades, driven significantly by the private sector. However, growth has slowed as investment in higher-productivity, higher-paying sectors has been hampered by restrictions that insulate dominant firms and state-owned enterprises from competition. Unlocking high-quality private investment through targeted policy actions that remove such restrictions will be pivotal to boosting growth and creating more jobs. The private sector is the engine of long-term economic growth and a catalyst for social and economic development. The Indonesia Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) identifies untapped private investment opportunities and the barriers that stand in their way, and presents concrete, actionable policy recommendations. The report identifies three sectors where concrete policy actions can generate significant and commercially viable opportunities for private investors: commercial and industrial solar photovoltaic distributed power generation, or business solar; data centers; and temperature-controlled logistics (TCL). The report offers an overview of the three sectors, the potential impact of policy actions on private investment and job creation, and the likelihood of removing the identified constraints. Indonesia - Country Private Sector Diagnostic Indonesia - Country Private Sector Diagnostic 099753310052628862 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099753310052628862/null 40131280 World Bank Report English 215505 2026-10-05T04:00:00Z Malaysia’s economy remained resilient in the first half of 2026, with growth exceeding expectations despite persistent external headwinds. Growth is projected to reach 5.1 percent in 2026, above earlier projections. Continued fiscal consolidation, alongside supportive monetary policy, remains an appropriate policy mix. Deepening structural reforms to strengthen resilience and raise productivity is essential to support Malaysia’s long-term growth and job creation. Key priorities include advancing trade and investment reforms; strengthening regulatory practices and competition; improving the innovation ecosystem and capital allocation; and building workforce capabilities while better aligning skills with labor market needs. Collectively, these reforms will enhance Malaysia’s capacity to adapt to an evolving global environment, support higher quality employment, and foster more inclusive and sustainable growth. Malaysia Economic Monitor : From Quantity to Quality - Financing Malaysia’s Productive SMEs Malaysia Economic Monitor : From Quantity to Quality - Financing Malaysia’s Productive SMEs 099100526042026555 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099100526042026555/null 40131272 World Bank Country Private Sector Diagnostics English 215502 2026-10-05T04:00:00Z Indonesia has achieved rapid economic growth and substantial poverty reduction over the past five decades, driven significantly by the private sector. However, growth has slowed as investment in higher-productivity, higher-paying sectors has been hampered by restrictions that insulate dominant firms and state-owned enterprises from competition. Unlocking high-quality private investment through targeted policy actions that remove such restrictions will be pivotal to boosting growth and creating more jobs. The private sector is the engine of long-term economic growth and a catalyst for social and economic development. The Indonesia Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) identifies untapped private investment opportunities and the barriers that stand in their way, and presents concrete, actionable policy recommendations. The report identifies three sectors where concrete policy actions can generate significant and commercially viable opportunities for private investors: commercial and industrial solar photovoltaic distributed power generation, or business solar; data centers; and temperature-controlled logistics (TCL). The report offers an overview of the three sectors, the potential impact of policy actions on private investment and job creation, and the likelihood of removing the identified constraints. Indonesia - Country Private Sector Diagnostic : Executive Summary Indonesia - Country Private Sector Diagnostic : Executive Summary 099757510052678129 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099757510052678129/null 40131112 Ngov, Meng Yu Vézina, Pierre-Louis Tran, Trang Thu Nayyar, Gaurav Policy Research Working Paper English WPS11478 2026-10-02T04:00:00Z This paper documents how foreign firms, inputs, and subsidies have shaped the development of Viet Nam’s solar panel industry. The analysis uses firmto-firm transaction data from Panjiva as well as firm-level data from the Viet Nam’s Enterprise Survey to trace solar panel value chains. It uncovers three key findings. First, parts and components from subsidizing countries are 30 percent cheaper than alternatives. Those from China, which provides the majority of solar inputs to Vietnamese producers, are cheapest. Foreign green subsidies may thus spill over across countries via value chains. Second, Chinese FDI firms dominate Viet Nam’s solar industry, accounting for 75% of exports and 50 percent of jobs, and they export solar panels that are 38 percent cheaper than those of other producers in Viet Nam. Third, local firms supplying parts and components to these Chinese FDI firms experience positive productivity gains. The findings show how Viet Nam’s solar boom emerged through deep integration into China’s subsidized supply chains. The Rise of Viet Nam’s Solar Panel Industry : Inputs, FDI, and Spillovers The Rise of Viet Nam’s Solar Panel Industry : Inputs, FDI, and Spillovers 099430010022632715 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099430010022632715/null 40130734 World Bank Report English 215454 2026-10-01T04:00:00Z The Thailand-Malaysia border corridor, encompassing Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani, is a linchpin for Thailand’s ambitions to become a regional trade and logistics hub. This corridor is not only a gateway for goods, services, and people between Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia but also a critical node in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and ASEAN connectivity frameworks. The region’s development is prioritized in Thailand’s 20-Year National Strategy (2017-2036) and the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023-2027), which emphasize corridor-based, cross-border, and inclusive growth. On both sides of the border, the regions targeted by this initiative are marked by significant economic and social challenges that have left them lagging behind their respective national averages. Strengthening an Inclusive Economic Corridor Between Southern Thailand and Northern Peninsular Malaysia Borders : Inception Report Strengthening an Inclusive Economic Corridor Between Southern Thailand and Northern Peninsular Malaysia Borders : Inception Report 099093026204581296 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099093026204581296/null 40130735 World Bank Report English 215452 2026-09-30T04:00:00Z This report presents a strategic roadmap for establishing an inclusive economic corridor between Southern Thailand and Northern Peninsular Malaysia, focusing on the priority sectors of agribusiness, tourism, and logistics. Developed through extensive stakeholder consultations, the roadmap identifies opportunities to strengthen cross-border cooperation, enhance value creation, improve connectivity, and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. It proposes phased implementation through sector action plans and quick-win initiatives that support SMEs, local communities, and private sector participation. The roadmap emphasizes coordinated governance, investment, conflict-sensitive development, and stronger institutional collaboration to transform the corridor into a platform for regional integration, economic resilience, and shared prosperity. Strategic Roadmap for an Inclusive Southern Thailand–Northern Malaysia Economic Corridor Strategic Roadmap for an Inclusive Southern Thailand–Northern Malaysia Economic Corridor 099093026204538416 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099093026204538416/null 40126484 World Bank Report English 214616 2026-09-30T04:00:00Z This report examines the socioeconomic conditions of refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia, where 191,710 individuals were registered with UNHCR as of July 2024. Despite being allowed to remain in the country on humanitarian grounds, refugees face significant challenges due to the absence of a formal refugee policy, including restricted access to legal employment, education, social protection, and financial services. The report highlights ongoing policy discussions regarding refugees’ right to work and the potential contribution of refugees to addressing labor market needs. Drawing on findings from the Hosts and Refugees in the Malaysian Economy (HARMONY) Survey, the study provides the first systematic comparison of refugee and host community households in Malaysia. Conducted between December 2023 and April 2024 across Johor, Pulau Pinang, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur, the survey assesses refugees’ human capital, employment conditions, and economic well-being. The report offers evidence to inform policies aimed at improving refugees’ access to productive and decent work while strengthening understanding of the socioeconomic relationships between refugee and host communities. Well-Being and Labor Market Outcomes of Refugees in Malaysia : Insights from the HARMONY Survey Well-Being and Labor Market Outcomes of Refugees in Malaysia : Insights from the HARMONY Survey 099090926014524852 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099090926014524852/null 40129422 Puthong, Warunthorn Milk Brief English 215175 2026-09-25T04:00:00Z Thailand’s economy expanded in July, supported by strong goods exports, particularly AI-related electronics, solid private investment, and fiscal stimulus. Private consumption strengthened with support from the co-payment program, although tourism remained weak and the broader recovery was uneven. Headline inflation rose on elevated fuel prices and weather-related food costs, weighing on household real incomes. The Bank of Thailand (BOT) maintained an accommodative stance, prioritizing support for a still-fragile recovery. Fiscal policy remained expansionary, with further co-payment and energy transition-related measures under preparation for Q4. Financial markets remained broadly resilient though deteriorating small and medium enterprise (SME) credit quality warrants monitoring. Thailand Monthly Economic Monitor Thailand Monthly Economic Monitor 099820009252641618 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099820009252641618/null 40128356 Teh Sharifuddin, Shakira Binti Report English 214974 2026-09-21T04:00:00Z Malaysia’s female labor force participation (FLFP) lags behind that of comparator countries; and more importantly, national-level figures mask substantial regional disparities. Given the disparities in FLFP across regions and socioeconomic groups, it is essential to identify the specific challenges faced by women in low-income communities, as these challenges can contribute to lower returns from employment. Addressing these structural barriers is crucial to promoting more inclusive labor market participation and opening up economic opportunities of women in these groups. Care work and caregiving responsibilities emerged as one of the key barriers to employment for women living in these communities. Regardless of employment status, participants consistently expressed the need for greater government support to address concerns related to the affordability, availability, and safety of childcare and preschool infrastructure. When discussing future work and employment, many FGD participants expressed a strong preference for flexible job opportunities, such as remote work, part-time roles, or home-based income-generating activities. The findings from the FGDs underscore the importance of recognizing that the challenges and perceptions surrounding employment vary among women from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Childcare and Women’s Employment in Malaysia : Insights from Public Housing Residents in Klang Valley and Kelantan, Malaysia Childcare and Women’s Employment in Malaysia : Insights from Public Housing Residents in Klang Valley and Kelantan, Malaysia 099092026233533441 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099092026233533441/null 40128073 World Bank Country Partnership Framework English CPF0000035 2026-09-18T04:00:00Z Thailand is navigating moderate overall risks with political and policy continuity concerns, elevated environmental and social challenges linked to complex infrastructure, and exposure to extreme weather, trade fragmentation, energy price volatility, and global financial uncertainty, while pursuing a longer-term reform agenda to boost productivity and create more and better jobs. In the coming years, the World Bank Group will focus on a One WBG approach that combines IBRD financing, IFC investments, and potential MIGA support to advance priority outcomes through resilient transport connectivity, low carbon cities and carbon market development, chemicals phaseout and phasedown, flood management in the Chao Phraya Basin, coastal resilience, and community resilience. IFC will scale private capital mobilization and advisory support across sustainable finance, SME and women-led enterprise financing, microfinance, renewable energy, the circular economy, green buildings, water infrastructure, sustainable tourism, digital inclusion, and logistics, while helping financial sector clients expand sustainable and MSME financing, accelerate digital transformation, and develop new social and sustainable instruments. IFC will assist real sector clients to adopt new technologies, enter new markets, and transition to sustainable business models, including green building standards, and support government agencies in structuring public private partnerships in water and waste management, while exploring silver finance to strengthen retirement security, long-term care, and age-friendly housing. Knowledge work anchored in Advisory Services and Analytics, including the Country Growth and Jobs Report and growing Reimbursable Advisory Services on science, research and innovation policy, business enabling environment reform, skills and TVET, digital ID and digital blueprint, simplified tax regimes for small firms, and expanded social insurance coverage will inform policy actions and program design. The program will emphasize synergies in energy, water and wastewater, digital services, municipal finance, and sustainable finance, with strong implementation readiness, selectivity, sequencing, government ownership, and partner collaboration. Thailand - Country Partnership Framework for the Period FY2027-FY2032 : Annex 2 - Financing and Implementation Arrangements Thailand - Country Partnership Framework for the Period FY2027-FY2032 : Annex 2 - Financing and Implementation Arrangements 099559109182669848 English http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099559109182669848/null 1593 1451 1021 908 538 479 257 251 161 148 141 96 86 69 68 66 66 63 62 57 57 53 43 41 40 35 33 27 24 22 21 20 19 18 18 17 17 15 15 14 14 13 13 13 13 13 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 8716 1169 1072 1025 971 950 913 746 467 1805 1669 1274 1257 1165 1148 1102 1031 1030 897 891 800 763 743 712 700 616 570 549 531 434 388 355 349 249 234 79 71 19