Economic Buzz: Global value chains boost growth in Asia-Pacific region but gains are uneven, says ADB

Greater specialization in the stages of global production has helped Asia and the Pacific achieve economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty over the past quarter century, according to the Asian Development Bank?s (ADB) Asian Development Policy Report 2026 launched today. The report?titled Global Value Chains and Inclusive Development?finds that the region accounts for a third of global value chain trade, with its developing economies doubling their share from 9% to 18% from 2000 to 2023. It noted that some economies?particularly in East and Southeast Asia?have become deeply embedded in regional and global production networks, occupying central positions that allow them to capture significant value addition. Others, including many smaller, lower-income, or geographically remote economies, have participated less and remain largely excluded from these networks.

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