The Asia Foundation

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and...

In Bahasa: Findings of the third Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between February and June 2003. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

The US Long Term International Observation Group (LTOG) was made up of fifteen international observers who were deployed in the provinces from May 20-Aug.15, 2003. The observation mission was administered by The Asia Foundation, and was part...

The US Long Term International Observation Group (LTOG) was made up of fifteen international observers who were deployed in the provinces from May 20-Aug.15, 2003. The observation mission was administered by The Asia Foundation, and was part of the US Government's contribution to the 2003 Cambodian National Assembly Election held on July 27, 2003. The observers monitored all provinces (except for Phnom Penh) during the pre-campaign period, the campaign period, polling and counting, and the post-election environment.

Economic growth in Bangladesh has benefited from two decades of liberalization policies that aimed to increase private sector activity. While reforms have eased licensing and regulatory burdens, particularly for the export sector, the domestic...

Economic growth in Bangladesh has benefited from two decades of liberalization policies that aimed to increase private sector activity. While reforms have eased licensing and regulatory burdens, particularly for the export sector, the domestic private sector continues to face formidable challenges to growth. This is particularly the case for small enterprises that account for the bulk of private business in Bangladesh. Weaknesses in financial markets, burdensome regulation, and prohibitive policies create market distortions that reduce local competitiveness. The combined effect of poor infrastructure, weak public service delivery, corruption, and security concerns constrain the ability of businesses to function efficiently. While many businesses depend on patronage links to survive, small business owners typically lack the resources and political connections to combat regulatory and informal barriers to business. As a result, a weak enabling environment imposes disproportionately greater constraints to small business growth. The findings of this report contribute to dialogue and debate on the policy environment for private sector development in Bangladesh and inform the strategies of Government and other development partners. The Mymensingh study and the recommendations that flow from it reflect The Asia Foundation's commitment to support private-sector led growth by easing policy constraints that affect the enabling environment and mobilizing domestic constituencies for reform from the private sector, civil society, and government.

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The...

The Asia Foundation's Consultation, Documentation & Advocacy Report on Electronic Procurement in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. The study was conducted by Information Technology Professional Forum between April to September 2003. The Electronic Procurement System in general and in His Majesty's Government in particular analyzes the awareness, preparedness, and requirements of using information and communication technology in all public procurements of Nepal. The objectives are to (a) review the present legal framework for financial transactions to be carried out online, (b) build consensus for IT-based procurement systems, (c) develop an e-Procurement strategy for the growth of e-Governance and e-Commerce, and (d) draft a pilot project document to demonstrate the viability of e-Procurement in Nepal.

This report presents the findings of The Asia Foundation’s third national survey of the ndonesian electorate. The aim of the research was to assess voter knowledge and opinion, and to identify key issues and challenges facing election...

This report presents the findings of The Asia Foundation’s third national survey of the ndonesian electorate. The aim of the research was to assess voter knowledge and opinion, and to identify key issues and challenges facing election administrators and assistance providers in advance of the 2004 National Elections. The survey was conducted between June 25 and August 10, 2003, in 32 of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, and consisted of a random, nationally representative sample of 1,056 in-person interviews, plus an over-sample of 230 people to allow some regional analysis. The survey was funded with generous support from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

In Bahasa: This report presents the findings of The Asia Foundation’s third national survey of the ndonesian electorate. The aim of the research was to assess voter knowledge and opinion, and to identify key issues and challenges...

In Bahasa: This report presents the findings of The Asia Foundation’s third national survey of the ndonesian electorate. The aim of the research was to assess voter knowledge and opinion, and to identify key issues and challenges facing election administrators and assistance providers in advance of the 2004 National Elections. The survey was conducted between June 25 and August 10, 2003, in 32 of Indonesia’s 33 provinces, and consisted of a random, nationally representative sample of 1,056 in-person interviews, plus an over-sample of 230 people to allow some regional analysis. The survey was funded with generous support from the U.S. Agency for International

The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this...

The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this unprecedented longitudinal examination of decentralization, the Foundation and our partners have been able to diagnose problems with precision and, more important, put forward nuanced remedies that are applicable to the highly varied conditions across this enormously complex country.

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of...

In Bahasa: The 4th Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) was conducted by the Foundation with our Indonesian partners to scrutinize standards of public service across Indonesia. Following the completion of the latest stage of this unprecedented longitudinal examination of decentralization, the Foundation and our partners have been able to diagnose problems with precision and, more important, put forward nuanced remedies that are applicable to the highly varied conditions across this enormously complex country.

Ethnic conflict in the Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province continues to threaten the stability and development both of that region and the entire country. As a result, the Asia Foundation, the Foundation for Co-existence, and others are...

Ethnic conflict in the Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province continues to threaten the stability and development both of that region and the entire country. As a result, the Asia Foundation, the Foundation for Co-existence, and others are involved in efforts to develop a framework for early a warning and response to potential conflicts in the east. A necessary step in this process is research that offers an accurate assessment of public attitudes concerning this situation, a better understanding of the initial signs of conflict, and ways that conflict can be prevented. The purpose of this survey, based on individual interviews, was to systematically gauge ordinary citizens’ perceptions of conflict in the East, and to move beyond reliance on the “usual (key informant) suspects.” A secondary aim was to identify pressing issues that could be explored through a follow-up quantitative survey designed to measure changes in public perceptions of, and attitudes towards, the level of human security in the East.

This report is part of a larger research and education project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in collaboration with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR). The project’s basic...

This report is part of a larger research and education project on U.S.-Vietnam relations being conducted by The Asia Foundation in collaboration with Vietnam’s Institute for International Relations (IIR). The project’s basic purpose is to examine various dimensions of the Vietnamese-American bilateral relationship, especially in the context of economic normalization between the two countries and a changing international environment in the Asia-Pacific region.

Paper Presented at the 4th Asian Regional Conference of the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR)

The Asia Foundation conceptualized and funded a study that looked into the cleavages, roots of conflict and possible...

Paper Presented at the 4th Asian Regional Conference of the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR)

The Asia Foundation conceptualized and funded a study that looked into the cleavages, roots of conflict and possible mechanisms of conflict management in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao or ARMM. In partnership with the Office of the President and TNS-TRENDS, a probability survey of households in ARMM and adjacent areas was undertaken. The findings indicate a high level of pride for one’s ethnicity and religion, high church attendance and high regard for religious leaders in ARMM. The study also revealed that Muslim ethnic groups are more divided than they would care to admit. Interfamily and clan conflicts tend to be more prevalent than “military-rebel” wars or “Muslim-Christian” feuds. On conflict resolution, majority says that appealing to higher authorities would be the most effective means. When asked what would be best for ARMM, most would prefer that Islamic laws be implemented in ARMM rather than support moves to secede from the Philippines. The study findings give much insight on how to further explore new and efficient ways of managing conflicts in ARMM.

Thousands of Nepali women and girls are trafficked within and outside of Nepal
every year. Sabina was one of them. Now she is at a center run by ABC/Nepal, an
Asia Foundation supported-NGO, providing shelter and counseling services...

Thousands of Nepali women and girls are trafficked within and outside of Nepal
every year. Sabina was one of them. Now she is at a center run by ABC/Nepal, an
Asia Foundation supported-NGO, providing shelter and counseling services to
trafficking survivors. She has renewed hope for a better life. This is her story.

The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Global Risk Strategies (Global) are providing invaluable advice and assistance to the Joint Electoral Management Body Secretariat (JEMBS), a hybrid of Afghan professionals and UN advisors planning Voter...

The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Global Risk Strategies (Global) are providing invaluable advice and assistance to the Joint Electoral Management Body Secretariat (JEMBS), a hybrid of Afghan professionals and UN advisors planning Voter Registration and Elections.

This report presents the findings of the most comprehensive public opinion poll conducted in Afghanistan in the post-Taliban era. The survey was undertaken by The Asia Foundation [Project Direction and Editing by The Asia Foundation] in order...

This report presents the findings of the most comprehensive public opinion poll conducted in Afghanistan in the post-Taliban era. The survey was undertaken by The Asia Foundation [Project Direction and Editing by The Asia Foundation] in order to provide detailed, quantified information on the knowledge and attitudes of Afghan citizens regarding their country’s forthcoming first national elections, now scheduled for October 2004. The goal was to use the findings to provide the Foundation and other non-governmental organizations conducting voter education with information needed to more accurately plan their work for the election. A democracy assessment survey.

The Asia Foundation has maintained a resident office and country program in Bangladesh continuously since 1954. In 2004, the Foundation celebrates its 50th Anniversary. For five decades, the Foundation has played a unique and unparalleled role...

The Asia Foundation has maintained a resident office and country program in Bangladesh continuously since 1954. In 2004, the Foundation celebrates its 50th Anniversary. For five decades, the Foundation has played a unique and unparalleled role as a responsive and trusted partner in the Asia-Pacific region and in working to advance constructive relations between the nations and peoples of the region.

Success Story: Maya

Maya is only 12 years old. Like thousands of young girls living in rural Nepal, she was lured to the city by a trafficker with promises of a better life. Through the efforts of The Asia Foundation-supported Center...

Success Story: Maya

Maya is only 12 years old. Like thousands of young girls living in rural Nepal, she was lured to the city by a trafficker with promises of a better life. Through the efforts of The Asia Foundation-supported Center for Legal Research and Resources Development (CeLRRd), she was rescued and is back with her parents, and receiving literacy training. Her counselor at CeLRRd tells her story.

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political...

Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal...

In Bahasa: Findings of the fifth Indonesia Rapid Decentralization Appraisal (IRDA) conducted between January 2004 and July 2004. The purpose of IRDA has been to monitor and assess Indonesia's ambitious program of decentralization of fiscal and political responsibilities. IRDA provides a snapshot of the pace and progress of decentralization from the perspective of local stakeholders, and brings their views to the attention of policy makers at all levels of government.

In January, 2005, the United States, Canada, and Europe completed the phase-out of quotas governing imports of textiles and apparel in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The Asia Foundation works toward policy reform...

In January, 2005, the United States, Canada, and Europe completed the phase-out of quotas governing imports of textiles and apparel in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). The Asia Foundation works toward policy reform in the post-ATC environment.

The fifth annual study of “Investment Competitiveness of Regencies/Cities in Indonesia” implemented by KPPOD (Regional Autonomy Watch). Since the first socialization of the 2001 study results, public response toward the rank has...

The fifth annual study of “Investment Competitiveness of Regencies/Cities in Indonesia” implemented by KPPOD (Regional Autonomy Watch). Since the first socialization of the 2001 study results, public response toward the rank has been extensive. The private sector has shown its appreciation by using the study result as one of its sources to formulate investment policies; academicians have shared their opinions on the methodology used in the study; moreover, some prominent international institutions have used the studies’ findings as their reference.