The post-pandemic green economic recovery, livelihoods, and adaptations in ASEAN

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 pandemic was reported, it directly and indirectly suppressed the global economy. The ASEAN GDP growth rate declined to −3.2% in 2020 from 4.7% in 2019. For Lao PDR, the economic growth dropped by half of the plan in the first year of the pandemic. This study addressed the pandemic impacts on five areas of ASEAN countries and used Lao PDR as a case study. Our study included mobility and livelihoods, employment, digital adaptations, global value chain engagement, and environment adaptations. Research findings show that livelihoods and businesses were affected by the pandemic and mobility restrictions. Workers struggled with job loss, and businesses faced plummets in sales. An attempt to ease mobility and economic activity restrictions in ASEAN countries is to enhance recovery from the pandemic. Economic activities and livelihood adaptations to a new circumstance show some positive sign. However, as the new Omicron variant spreads, several countries have reimposed mobility restrictions enforcing a weaker position of the economy in 2022. Despite this, rising food prices and living costs have huge impacts on people’s lives. Facing crises and climate change is inevitable. It is challenging for policymakers to overcome these problems to achieve green economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.