The World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) has played a significant role in supporting low-income countries in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region for over sixty years. IDA provides low-cost and grant financing, along with global expertise, to aid these nations in achieving economic growth and poverty reduction.
Seven East Asian countries have transitioned from being IDA recipients to donors, including China, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand. Currently, 14 countries in the EAP region continue to receive support from IDA. These nations face challenges such as poverty, inequality, infrastructure deficits, human capital issues, governance problems due to rapid urbanization, and climate change risks.
Notable achievements include Viet Nam's graduation from IDA support in FY17 after lifting 40 million people out of poverty since 1994. Mongolia graduated in FY20 after receiving assistance during its economic hardship and political transition in the early '90s.
Between 2006 and 2024, IDA provided $25.8 billion in concessional financing to EAP countries. In the last year alone (July 1st, 2023 - June 30th, 2024), IDA helped improve health services for over 24 million people and strengthened food security for more than 11 million individuals.
Specific projects highlight IDA's impact across various sectors:
- In Cambodia, a secondary education project improved learning experiences for over 450,000 students.
- The Health and Nutrition Services Access Project enhanced health service access in Lao People's Democratic Republic.
- The Sustainable Agriculture Project in Viet Nam promoted low-methane emission rice production.
- Papua New Guinea benefited from a water supply project that aims to provide clean water to residents.
- Business regulatory reforms were supported through the Competitiveness and Trade Project in Lao PDR.
- Infrastructure reconstruction was prioritized following natural disasters like Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu.
Future plans involve scaling up successful interventions related to resilience building against crises such as energy transitions and enhancing digitalization efforts.
"Viet Nam: IDA’s support...has lifted millions out of poverty," highlights one of many successful initiatives by IDA across EAP countries.