devinitorg/iati-policy-markers huggingface dataset:
RSTMH Early Career Grants 2022 The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) early career grant programme 
enables early career researchers and global health professionals in the field of tropical 
medicine or global health to undertake clinical or scientific research or fieldwork, as stand alone projects or distinct elements within a larger project.

The 2022 Early Career Grants Programme will: 
- enable early career researchers and global health professionals in LMICs to undertake clinical 
and applied health research or fieldwork 
- develop and improve the research and management skills of early career LMIC researchers 
through leading a small independent research project 
- help early career LMIC researchers to widen their networks within their institutions, countries 
and potentially globally and within their field of work
- establish a peer cohort of awardees to increase collaboration and networking opportunities 
- enhance future funding opportunities of LMIC early career researchers 
- strengthen a beneficial scheme to ensure that a higher proportion of fundable applications 
receive funding than previous years
South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Project ADB and the Government of Bhutan are working together to bring safer roads and more opportunities to the southern part of the country. The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Project will build 68.3 km of the vital Southern East West Highway between the towns of Dewathang and Nganglam, which is one of the main crossing points between Bhutan and India. The new stretch of road will improve the connection between Bhutan's main north-south highways and India's national highway network. As a result, travel time between Nganglam and Dewathang is being reduced by 80% from 12 hours to just a few hours. The project is also building a 1.2 km access road between Bhutan's border with India and the Pasakha industrial estate, reducing travel time by 90 percent from nearly two hours to about 10 minutes. Border crossing stations in Phuentsholing City the town of Alay will also be improved, and a 2.7 km access road to the national highway will be built. The new roads and facilities will help develop the capacity of the country's engineers and government officials to build modern transport infrastructure. The project is designed to make Bhutan more competitive in terms of international trade and spread the benefits of cross-border commerce with its regional neighbors to people across the country, including the poorest and most disadvantaged.
Second Green Power Development Project ADB and the Government of Bhutan are working together to export clean energy while supporting social services and providing electricity to the poor. The Second Green Power Development Project is building a run-of-the-river hydropower plant in central Bhutan through a partnership with several private companies. Clean power generated by the plant will be sold to India and will help reduce carbon emissions. The clean energy from Bhutan will allow India to eliminate around 460,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year that it would otherwise have generated through fossil fuels. The revenue generated from exporting power to India will be used to finance social services in Bhutan such as health, education and rural development. The planned 118-megawatt plant will be located on the Nikachhu River in a narrow valley in the central Trongsa District. As a run-of-the-river plant, it does not need a large reservoir for water storage, but comprehensive safeguard management plans are provisioned for the project implementation.
South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Transport, Trade Facilitation and Logistics Project The project will promote regional connectivity in the Phuentsholing area with a direct road connection between Samtse and Chhukha districts. The new road section between Phuentsholing and Chamkuna will (i) complete the last missing 3.3-kilometer (km) link along the Phuentsholing-Samtse national highway, (ii) activate the full value of the entire 58 km Southern East-West Highway (SEWH) section for road users, and (iii) link Samtse district to the rest of the country. The trade facilitation and logistics component is aimed at improving the infrastructure and services at the border crossing points by adding additional equipment to facilitate cross-border traffic and transit of goods and services, trade, and commerce nationwide.  These interventions are targeted at improving the working conditions and service delivery at the checkpoints so that goods and services can be exported and imported safely and efficiently.
Rural Finance Development Project The project will enhance access to finance for rural cottage and small industries (CSIs), thereby increasing rural employment and promoting economic development. The project focuses on (i) expanding collateral-based rural CSI financing through Bhutan Development Bank (BDB), Bhutan's key rural finance intermediary; (ii) extending, through BDB, non-collateral-based group loans to rural CSIs that lack assets; (iii) strengthening BDB's institutional capacity, including enhancement for rural CSI financing operations; and (iv) providing financial literacy training and business development support to rural CSIs, in particular CSIs owned by small and marginal farmers and women.
Strengthening Economic Management Program II In order to maintain sustainable growth trajectory, Government  of Bhutan's capacity needs to be strengthened in the area of macroeconomic management and financial sector development.  For this purpose, in continuation of the earlier reforms initiated under the Strengthening Economic Management Program (SEMP), the proposed program targets strengthening of (i) revenue and macroprudential management and (ii) financial sector development. The proposed SEMP II and attached technical assistance will support the government in timely implementation of the chronologically-sequenced policy reforms.
Water Flagship Program Support Project The project will provide safe, sustainable and inclusive drinking water, and irrigation services to about 100,000 people who suffer from water insecurity in Thimphu and Gelephu municipalities (Thromdes) and Chhukha, Wangdue Phodrang, Zhemgang and Mongar districts (Dzongkhag) of Bhutan. It will adopt disaster- and climate-resilient designs and improve institutional and local communities' capacity for sustainable drinking water and irrigation services.
Road Network Project II The Project will upgrade or construct five critical sections (about 180 kilometers [km]) of the southern east-west highway, including (i) Manitar-Raidak, (ii) Raidak-Lhamoizingkha, (iii) Pangbang-Amshingwoong (Nganglam), (iv) Tsebar-Mikuri-Durung Ri, and (v) Samdrupcholing-Samrang. Consulting services will be provided to prepare detailed design and support implementation of the civil works. These proposed road sections provide access to the border crossings and have significant regional implications. Road improvement and construction works under the Project include construction of roadways, including longitudinal drainage structures, installation of culverts and bridges, construction of new bridges and cross-drainage structures, and structures for resettlement and rehabilitation.

The Project will also enhance overall sector management capacity by providing (i) equipment necessary for the Royal Government of Bhutan to enhance sector capacity in areas such as (a) quality survey, design, and construction, (b) road safety, and (c) control of overloading and vehicle emissions; (ii) on-the-job training for social and environmental requirements through detailed design and construction supervision consultants; and (iii) technical assistance (TA) to support the capacity building of the Department of Roads (DoR), including (a) enhancing knowledge of and skills in modern road technologies, especially with environmental considerations; and (b) enhancing and optimizing the road asset management systems.
Green Power Development Project The Green Power Development Project has two components: (i) regional clean power trade, and (ii) renewable energy access for the poor. Under the first component, the Dagachhu hydropower development (a 126-megawatt [MW] run-of-river type) aims to export power from Bhutan to India through the existing grid to India. The rural electrification component will provide access to electricity sourced from hydropower to 8,767 households and facilities with grid extensions, and electricity sourced from solar energy to 119 remote public facilities (e.g., schools, health clinics, and other community facilities) on an off grid basis.

The Dagachhu hydropower development will be promoted by a joint venture company between Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) in Bhutan and Tata Power Company (TPC) in India through a public private partnership (PPP). The rural electrification component will be mainly served by Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC), a public utility service company.
Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprise Sector Development Program (former Small and Medium Enterprise/Micro Enterprise Development Program) The overall objective of the proposed MSME SDP is to promote the expansion and growth of a vibrant MSME sector and encourage private sector development for broad-based, sustainable economic growth and employment. To achieve this goal, the MSME SDP will consist of a program grant to address policy reforms and strengthening of the enabling environment; and a project grant, to provide the required funding otherwise not available from the domestic market due to market failure. The Program objectives include (i) establishing an integrated policy, strategy, and institutional framework for MSME development; (ii) enhancing business laws and regulations to facilitate MSME operations; (iii) increasing access to market-based finance; and (iv) strengthening business support infrastructure.
Air Transport Connectivity Enhancement Project - Additional Financing The project, together with the original project, will improve safety, security, and capacity at Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula domestic airports by providing infrastructure. The additional financing will further strengthen safety and security, and improve passenger convenience in terms of level of service at these airports. The overall project will support the government s plan to develop a safe, reliable, and efficient air transport system connecting urban and rural centers to help overcome the limitations of road transport, improve accessibility, and promote tourism and high-value agriculture in less-developed regions of the country.
Renewable Energy for Climate Resilience Project The project will finance the construction of one solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in central-west Bhutan with a minimum total capacity of 17.38 megawatt peak (MWp). This will be the first utility scale alternative renewable power plant in the country and the first step to diversify the generation portfolio of Bhutan's hydropower dominated energy sector, creating system change and building resilience against adverse climate change impacts on the power sector. The project will strengthen the institutional capacity of the Department of Renewable Energy (DRE) on solar and wind power project design, operation and maintenance and renewables grid integration. In addition, the project will provide learning opportunities and promote energy sector career paths to students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) streams, with special attention to female students.
Financial Sector Development Program (formerly Financial Sector & Nonbank Financial Institutions Reform Program) - Program Loan The FSDP aims to address the main constraints in the financial system that impede financial sector development and efficient financial intermediation. The main constraints include (i) a weak legal, regulatory, and supervisory regime; (ii) poor governance structures and inefficient operations of financial institutions; (iii) vulnerability to malpractice for lack of effective anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) regimes; (iv) the absence of national accounting and auditing standards; and (v) an inadequate system of financial information disclosure. Consequently, FSDP aims, through improved governance, specifically to enhance the investment environment, improve access to finance, and promote market-based incentives for providing diversified financial services aimed at encouraging private sector activity and promoting economic growth.

The purpose of the project loan is to facilitate the implementation of the FSDP and ensure the smooth implementation and sustainability of its policy reforms. The project loan will provide (i) urgently needed training of the regulator and key institutions in the areas covered under the FSDP, (ii) the development of adequate AML/CFT regulation and infrastructure, (iii) improved accounting and auditing practices, (iv) technical support to create a CIB, and (v) improved securities information disclosure.
Financial Market Development Program (Subprogram 2) The Financial Market Development Program (FMDP) is a series of interventions designed to develop the financial markets of Bhutan using the modality of a Policy Based Loan (PBL) with programmatic approach. The program identified three selected areas as outputs to address identified causes to solve the core problem of efficient financial intermediation, viz improved non-banking financial sector, strengthened stability and integrity of the financial system and improved financial inclusion. The project has three subprograms (SP) with linked policy actions. Following on what has been achieved in the previous program and discussions with the government , new areas were added under a SP3 within the same FMDP. SP1 has already been delivered. We ae seeking board approval for SP2 which was outlined at the time of SP1, and the additional SP3. A revised post program engagement framework too has been included to ensure the sustainability and continued success of the policy actions.
Financial Market Development Program - Subprogram 1 The proposed Financial Market Development Program will support the Government of Bhutan in adopting reforms to enhance the efficiency, stability, and inclusiveness of the finance sector. The proposed program will consist of two subprograms designed to provide continuous support for the government's finance sector reforms. The program outputs include (i) nonbank financial system developed; (ii) stability and integrity of the financial system strengthened; and (iii) financial inclusion promoted.
Phuentsholing Township Development Project The proposed Amochhu Land Development and Township Project will develop 66 hectares (ha) of riparian land near the city of Phuentsholing that is located adjacent to the Amochhu River on Bhutans southwestern border with India. The project will provide protection from floods and erosion, and construct smart urban infrastructure to allow phased urban expansion. A modern township will be designed on modern sustainable principles of equity, livability, and competitiveness, and it will be integrated into the fabric of the existing municipality and preserve Bhutans unique architectural heritage. The project will also protect the existing and new towns from floods and riverbank erosion which currently threatens lives and livelihoods and disrupts connectivity with nearby communities.
Strengthening Economic Management Program The proposed program  involves a budget support for the Government of Bhutan which is currently facing weakening growth prospects as well as challenges in macroeconomic management. The objective of the program is, therefore, to strengthen macrofinancial management in the country to ensure adequate and sound development financing in a balanced and non-distortionary manner. The expected impact of the proposed program is strengthened macrofinancial management of the government in a sustainable manner. The outcome will be increased predictability in funds-flow and creation of greater fiscal space in the government budget. 

A preliminary agreement between ADB and the Government of Bhutan was reached on the reform measures and policy actions required for ADB's support under the Bhutan Strengthening Economic Management Program (BSEMP), and the areas covered under policy reform program will include:

(i) Output 1: Improved budget and debt management systems. Whereby expenditure efficiency measures will be rolled out for the major spending departments, leading to better allocative efficiency of scarce public resources. 
(ii) Output 2: Improved revenue management system. Revenue efforts will be strengthened by introducing a Revenue Administration Management System and introduction of property taxation based on property valuation.
(iii) Output 3: Improved macroprudential management framework. Policy actions will be initiated.
(iv) Output 4: Improved external and internal audit operations. Whereby the Royal Audit Authority (RAA) will roll out an Audit Information Management System in a phased manner over the program period. Similarly, staff of all the major departments will be trained to carry out internal audit.
Green Power Project Readiness Enhancement The project readiness financing (PRF) is proposed to complete detailed engineering studies, environmental and social impact assessments, and bid document preparation for two hydropower projects: (i) the Bunakha hydropower project (180 megawatt [MW]), and (ii) the Nyera Amari hydropower project (404 MW). In 2019, these projects were included in Bhutan’s power system master plan for 2040.
Urban Infrastructure Project The project supports the Government of Bhutan's efforts toward sustainable urban development in its two largest municipalities (Phuentsholing and Thimphu) and two emerging urban centers (Samdrup Jongkhar Municipality [SJM] and Nganglam Town). It has four outputs: (i) water supply and sanitation (WSS) infrastructure rehabilitation and expansion; (ii) mobility improvement; (iii) urban management strengthening; and (iv) project management and capacity development.
Green Power Development Project - Additional Financing The Green Power Development Project was approved on 29 October 2008. It includes two components: (i) hydropower development and (ii) rural electrification. Under the first component, the Dagachhu hydropower development (a 126 megawatt (MW) run-of-river type) aims to export power from Bhutan to India through the existing grid to India. The second component provides access to electricity in rural areas for around 9,000 rural households and public facilities on an on-grid and off-grid basis using renewable energy sources (i.e., hydropower and solar power). The project is to sustain the country's inclusive economic growth by promoting cross-border power trade and domestic electricity access in parallel. The power export revenue helps Bhutan sustain affordable electricity prices for rural households and generate additional government own resources to promote socioeconomic development in rural areas.

The original scope of rural electrification was already completed and the grant saving is being used to extend more electrification. For the Dagachhu hydropower component, 97% of ADB loans were disbursed except residual interest during construction. Almost 90% of the Dagachhu plant construction was completed;  the project is expected to be physically done by the original loan closing date of 31 December 2013. The overall project has been rated on track in the project performance rating. It is performing well and satisfactory in terms of technical performance, contract awards, disbursements, financial management, and safeguard compliance.
Air Transport Connectivity Enhancement Project The project is to improve infrastructure for the Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula domestic airports. It aims to expand initial developments undertaken by the Government of Bhutan at these airports. The project is to strengthen safety and security, and enhance capacity, including priority needs for securing the airport perimeter; expanding terminal space, air craft parking apron, and taxiway; improving runways; and installing aeronautical communication and navigation aid equipment.  These improvements are targeted to meet the requirements of current and anticipated aviation activities in the country, and help continue the record of safety. Overall, it will support the government's plan to develop a safe, reliable, and efficient air transport system connecting urban and rural centers to help overcome the current limitations of road transport and improve accessibility to less-developed regions of the country. This will help facilitate greater and more equitable coverage of potential benefits from tourism growth, stimulate private sector development, and generate employment opportunities for the poor.
Thimphu Road Improvement Project The project will improve the mobility of residents in the country's capital, Thimphu, by undertaking essential road improvements of urban roads, and the construction of drainage and pedestrian infrastructure. The project will further support the capacity enhancement of Thimphu Thromde officers for undertaking crucial road asset management.
South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Trade Facilitation Program The South Asian Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Sub-Regional Trade Facilitation Program supports ADB's regional cooperation strategy for South Asia (2011-2015) and builds on the commitments expressed by the SASEC Trade and Transport Working Group.  Its intended impact is to increase intra-regional trade among the SASEC member countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. India is not included in the program because it is self-financing its trade facilitation reforms and has already taken significant strides ahead of the other countries. It is, notably, the only SASEC member country that has acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention for the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (RKC). This program's expected outcome is efficient, effective, transparent, secure and service-oriented processing of cross-border trade in the sub-region. To achieve this outcome, the Program and its associated TA will support activities under three thematic areas: (i) modern and effective customs administration, (ii) streamlined and transparent regulations and procedures, and (iii) improved information and responsiveness to the private sector. The importance of this program is underscored by the realities in South Asia as described below.
Phuentsholing Township Development Project - Additional Financing The Phuentsholing Township Development Project will develop 66 hectares (ha) of riparian land near the city of Phuentsholing, located adjacent to the Amochhu River on Bhutan's southwestern border with India. The project will provide protection from floods and erosion and construct smart urban infrastructure to allow phased urban expansion. The additional financing will continue funding the ongoing activities until their successful completion, which is targeted for 2025. These climate-resilient infrastructures will ensure safe and sustainable expansion of human settlement and commercial activities in the area.
Health Sector Development Program The proposed assistance will enhance Bhutan's health system's overall performance. The proposal is aligned with priorities in the National Health Policy of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and will support the implementation of the upcoming Twelfth Five-Year Plan (2018-2022).  The program is included in Asian Development Bank (ADB)'s Bhutan country operations business plan, 2016-2018,  and reinforces ADB's inclusive growth agenda in the Midterm Review of Strategy 2020.