The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) shows in stark relief how better linkages within and between countries can spur economic prosperity.

A focus on developing the East-West, North-South and South economic corridors has driven development in GMS countries by integrating road systems to interconnect borders, urban centers, hubs of production, trade, tourism, and seaports.

The results have been impressive. Road density has more than doubled, and nearly 6,000 kilometers of roads have been completed with ADB support. Improved connectivity has significantly boosted trade and investment among GMS countries.

Intra-GMS trade reached $413 billion from just $5 billion in 1992, while foreign direct investment increased from $229 million in 2001 to $2.7 billion in 2012. Cross-border tourism is rising, with almost 52 million GMS tourist arrivals in 2013, representing 3% of the global market.