This paper highlights the opportunities as well as challenges posed for Bangladesh by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China. BRI is being considered as the most expensive project ever initiated connecting more than half of the world population from Asia, Europe and Africa. For writing this paper, the authors utilized published sources such as journal articles, newspaper articles and web-based information published from 2013 to 2024. The article proposes that although the involvement of Bangladesh in the BRI is not absolutely free of challenges, it can serve the ultimate national interest through greater connectivity with other countries, increased volume of trade and economic activities and socio-cultural exchange. Although, as the originator and major contributor of the BRI, China will be the principal benefiter, other partner countries can also attain considerable benefits out of this historical mega scheme through the application of appropriate vision and strategic implementation. This paper has highlighted those benefits/opportunities and challenges for Bangladesh that can be beneficial for upcoming research projects particularity aimed at development studies, political economy and international relations. On the other hand, based on the arguments made on this paper, policymakers and businessmen can formulate their best policies as well as trading strategies with mutual benefits for all the stakeholders involved.

The role of technology in stimulating economic growth needs to be reexamined considering current heightened economic conditions of Asian developing Economies. This study conducts a comparative analysis of technology proxied by R&D expenditures alongside macroeconomic variables crucial for economic growth. Monthly time-series data from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed using a vector error correction model (VECM), revealing a significant impact of technology on the economic growth of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. However, in the cases of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Bangladesh, macroeconomic indicators were found more crucial to their economic growth. Results of Granger causality underlined the relationship of R&D expenditures and macroeconomic variables with GDP growth rates. Sensitivity analyses endorsed robustness of the results which highlighted the significance and originality of this study in economic growth aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs) for developing countries.

This study investigates the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the construction sector in Southeast Asia, focusing on Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Qualitative research approach is used to analyze the implications of Chinese investments in these countries, exploring both the opportunities and challenges faced by Chinese investors. Key research questions address the resilience of the construction sector, the obstacles encountered by investors, and the influence of policy on the construction business. Through interviews with CEOs and senior managers of major construction companies and a review of relevant documents, the study uncovers the economic and geopolitical motivations behind China’s BRI strategy. The findings reveal significant insights into the benefits and drawbacks of BRI financing, providing recommendations for overcoming challenges and leveraging future opportunities in Southeast Asian construction sectors.

This research delves into the intricate world of lacquer art in East Asia, aiming to unravel the relationships among artisan perspectives, aesthetic values, and the contemporary relevance of this ancient craft. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how historical development, apprenticeship traditions, and evolving aesthetic values shape the intricate landscape of lacquer artistry. Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducts in-depth interviews with artisans and experts in the field of lacquer art. The research involves a comparative analysis of past literature, drawing upon historical and contemporary works to contextualize the findings within the broader trajectory of lacquer art. Thematic analysis is also applied to unravel the nuances of artisan perspectives, the transmission of knowledge through apprenticeship traditions, and the cultural and aesthetic dimensions embedded in lacquer paintings. This mixed-methods approach enriches the study by providing a holistic and nuanced exploration of the identified variables. The findings illuminate the enduring significance of apprenticeship traditions in preserving traditional lacquer techniques, with artisans actively navigating challenges posed by globalization and digital platforms. Aesthetic values, including symbolism and visual harmony, are revealed as integral components contributing to the narrative richness of lacquer paintings. The study uncovers the dynamic relationships among these variables, emphasizing the adaptive nature of lacquer art in a contemporary context. The implications extend to cultural preservation, heritage management, and educational initiatives, offering valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and educators involved in the realm of traditional crafts. The study contributes to theoretical frameworks on cultural continuity, knowledge transmission, and the socio-cultural dynamics of artistic practices.

Sustainability has turned into a critical focus for businesses, drawing considerable interest from the commercial sector and scholarly environments. While empirical investigations have been conducted regarding sustainability reporting within small and medium enterprises, only a limited number of companies are subjected to increased pressure to adopt sustainability reporting practices, thereby ensuring enhanced transparency and disclosure in their financial and sustainability disclosures. This research, framed by Institutional Theory, delves into how challenges in sustainability reporting obstruct organizations from properly evaluating and sharing their progress on sustainability aims. With an explanatory research framework in place, we circulated survey questionnaires to 400 participants, who were randomly drawn from a population of 28,927 registered SMEs in Metro Manila, Philippines. The application of Interpretative Structural Modelling and MICMAC Analysis revealed that the absence of regulatory frameworks, governmental assistance, and sustainability infrastructure constitutes the most critical obstacles impacting other determinants. In contrast, neither the deficiency in sustainability awareness nor the inadequacy of training and skills demonstrated a considerable impact on the other identified barriers. This study clarifies the complex interactions and interrelations among the obstacles to sustainability reporting, thus providing significant perspectives for organizations aiming to overcome these difficulties. The findings suggest that business leaders and stakeholders can formulate targeted strategies and interventions to facilitate the adoption of sustainability reporting practices within organizations. The application of the institutional theory framework highlights that pressures arise from a diverse array of institutional actors, including regulators, customers, and local communities, which collectively shape corporate behavior and reporting methodologies.

This research examines the intricate connection between tourism and environmental destruction in 28 Asian countries, concentrating on the non-linear impacts of tourism. Moreover, this study contemplates how tourism can mitigate the effects of economic growth on environmental decline. Westerlund, Johansen-Fisher, and Pedronico-integration tests are necessary to detect the co-integration connection between the proposed factors. The research also uses the Augmented Mean Group; the dynamic system generalized method of moments, and fully changed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). These tools help address econometric and economic problems such as co-integration, dynamism, variation, inter-sectional dependence, and endogeneity. The results demonstrate a U-shaped non-linear connection between ecological footprint and Tourism in Asian nations. Primarily, the tourism industry can initially decrease environmental damage. However, as it increases in size, it can worsen the harm. Additionally, the study suggests that tourism negatively influences how economic growth affects ecological footprint. This research contributes to the existing literature on tourism’s effects on the environment. The research suggests that tourism significantly impacts the environment; therefore, initiatives to reduce damage should be aimed at tourism.