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Franchising occurred in Vietnam during the implementation of government policy for economic reform and openness in the mid-1990s. The Vietnam-specific franchise law was passed in January 2006 to create a stable growth in the franchise sector in Vietnam. The legal framework in Vietnam generally follows international legal frameworks. However, the legal framework of franchising businesses is still uncertain. This paper explores Vietnam's franchising law and displays a comparison to the legal framework of Thai franchising law and the Republic of Korea franchising law. The paper concludes that while Vietnam's franchising law generally conforms to international standards, some legal issues should be addressed for further development of the Vietnamese franchising sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project 'Quality Decision-making by women and providers' (QUALI-DEC) combines four non-clinical interventions to promote informed decision-making surrounding mode of birth, improve women's birth experiences, and reduce caesarean sections among low-risk women. QUALI-DEC is currently being implemented in 32 healthcare facilities across Argentina, Burkina Faso, Thailand, and Viet Nam. In this paper, we detail implementation processes and the planned process evaluation, which aims to assess how and for whom QUALI-DEC worked, the mechanisms of change and their interactions with context and setting; adaptations to intervention and implementation strategies, feasibility of scaling-up, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. We developed a project theory of change illustrating how QUALI-DEC might lead to impact. The theory of change, together with on the ground observations of implementation processes, guided the process evaluation strategy including what research questions and perspectives to prioritise. Main data sources will include: 1) regular monitoring visits in healthcare facilities, 2) quantitative process and output indicators, 3) a before and after cross-sectional survey among post-partum women, 4) qualitative interviews with all opinion leaders, and 5) qualitative interviews with postpartum women and health workers in two healthcare facilities per country, as part of a case study approach. We foresee that the QUALI-DEC process evaluation will generate valuable information that will improve interpretation of the effectiveness evaluation. At the policy level, we anticipate that important lessons and methodological insights will be drawn, with application to other settings and stakeholders looking to implement complex interventions aiming to improve maternal and newborn health and wellbeing. Trial registration: ISRCTN67214403. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlebotomine sand flies are proven or suspected vectors of several pathogens of importance, including leishmaniasis, bartonellosis and sand fly fevers. Although sand flies have a worldwide distribution, there has been limited research published on sand flies and sand fly-borne pathogens throughout the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). This review followed the PRISMA guidelines to determine the biodiversity and presence of phlebotomine sand flies and their associated pathogens in the GMS, specifically Cambodia, Thailand, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos), Malaysia and Vietnam. A total of 1472 records were identified by searching electronic databases, scanning reference lists of articles and consulting experts in the field. After screening of title and abstracts, 178 records remained and were further screened for original data (n = 34), not having regional data (n = 14), duplication of data (n = 4), records not available (n = 4) and no language translation available (n = 2). A total of 120 studies were then included for full review, with 41 studies on sand fly-related disease in humans, 33 studies on sand fly-related disease in animals and 54 entomological studies focused on sand flies (5 papers contained data on > 1 category), with a majority of the overall data from Thailand. There were relatively few studies on each country, with the exception of Thailand, and the studies applied different methods to investigate sand flies and sand fly-borne diseases, impacting the ability to conduct meaningful meta-analysis. The findings suggest that leishmaniasis in humans and the presence of sand fly vectors have been reported across several GMS countries over the past 100 years, with local transmission in humans confirmed in Thailand and Vietnam. Additionally, local Mundinia species are likely transmitted by biting midges. Findings from this study provide a framework for future investigations to determine the geographic distribution and risk profiles of leishmaniasis and other associated sand fly-borne disease throughout the GMS. It is recommended that researchers expand surveillance efforts across the GMS, with an emphasis placed on entomological surveys, syndromic and asymptomatic monitoring in both humans and animals and molecular characterization of sand flies and sand fly-borne pathogens, particularly in the understudied countries of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary health care is essential for equitable, cost-effective and sustainable health care. It is the cornerstone to achieving universal health coverage against a backdrop of rising health expenditure and aging populations. Implementing strong primary health care requires grassroots understanding of health system performance. Comparing successes and barriers between countries may help identify mutual challenges and possible solutions. This paper compares and analyses primary health care policy in Australia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Data were collected at the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA) Asia–Pacific regional conference in November 2017 using a predetermined framework. The six countries varied in maturity of their primary health care systems, including the extent to which family doctors contribute to care delivery. Challenges included an insufficient trained and competent workforce, particularly in rural and remote communities, and deficits in coordination within primary health care, as well as between primary and secondary care. Asia–Pacific regional policy needs to: (1) focus on better collaboration between public and private sectors; (2) take a structured approach to information sharing by bridging gaps in technology, health literacy and interprofessional working; (3) build systems that can evaluate and improve quality of care; and (4) promote community-based, high-quality training programs. Strengthening primary health care (PHC) leads to improved population health outcomes at lower cost. By analysing the PHC policy of six Asia–Pacific countries, we identified key areas for regional development and outline recommendations for future policy. Successful PHC policy in this region requires equitable public–private partnerships, structured approaches to information sharing, an improved multidisciplinary focus on health literacy, systematic improvement and evaluation of the quality of care provided and high-yield, high-quality community-based training programs for sustainable workforce development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Omics were used to explore the O.viverrini – hosts interplays. • Identified GST, VPB etc. could be used as drug and vaccine target. • Mucin, peroxiredoxinetc. were identified as parasite-resisting molecules. • Integrated plan for opisthorchiasis prevention and control is accounted. Opisthorchis viverrini infection, opisthorchiasis, is a food-borne trematodiasis that is the main cause of cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer, in the Lower Mekong sub-region of Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Despite extensive research on opisthorchiasis, the eradication of this disease has yet to be achieved. One of the major reasons for this failure is due to the multi-host life cycle of the parasite, which requires complex medical and public health interventions to eradicate. Another reason is due to a lack of knowledge of not only the interactions between the parasite and the human immune system, but also the interactions between the parasite and its various hosts during its complicated life cycle. Recent advances in various high-throughput omics technologies has allowed for the identification of key biomolecules crucial to the processes of parasitic transmission, and the identification of novel drug and/or vaccine targets. In this paper, omics studies dealing with O. viverrini host-parasite biology will be reviewed. In particular, there will be a focus on the strategies O. viverrini uses to trigger, evade, and manipulate the host's defense systems. Recently-identified biological molecules with potential as targets for interventions will also be reviewed. The results obtained from these omics approaches to analyzing O. viverrini and host interactions will be of great importance in the future when developing effective and sustainable medical and public health models for the prevention and control of opisthorchiasis and opisthorchiasis-induced CCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic and political stability in Southeast Asia has led to a surge in Mekong dam development and construction in the 2010s. But, not only has the logistics of dam construction changed dramatically in the 35 years since Mekong hydroelectric development began; the public discourse surrounding hydroelectric development in the region has also expanded and diversified. The Mekong, while still seen by some throughout the region as a source of untapped economic opportunity, is also a source of growing concern for states who are losing control of the dams' ecological impact. Both of these visions of the river are framed in the public imagination of various states by their respective media's chosen depiction of the issue of dam development. Through an examination of the discourse surrounding Mekong hydro development in the four Mekong River Commission (MRC) states, this paper explores the divergent interests of states currently engaged in a complex water diplomacy. Themes drawn from the English-language press coverage in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are compared to determine how the unique geographic and economic positioning of each state shapes their media's depiction of Mekong dam development. Shared concerns about environmental damage, MRC weakness, and economic futures are also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the paradoxes inherent in Thai and Vietnamese drug policies. The two countries have much in common. Both are ultra-prohibitionist states which employ repressive policies to contain drug markets. Their policies have, however, diverged in two key areas: opium suppression and harm reduction. Thailand implemented an effective intervention to suppress opium farming centred upon alternative development, whereas Vietnam suppressed opium production through coercive negotiation with nominal alternative development. Vietnam has embraced elements of harm reduction, whereas Thailand has been slow to implement harm reduction policies. This paper hypothesises that these two differences are largely a product of their perceived relationship to security. The two cases demonstrate how once an issue is securitized the ultra-prohibitionist rules of the game can be broken to allow for more humane and pragmatic policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary This paper investigates the causes for non-response and measurement errors in household panel surveys designed for assessing vulnerability to poverty in Thailand and Vietnam. Using data from surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 we show that interview environment, timing, interviewer, and some respondent characteristics significantly affect non-sampling errors. Investigating interviewer bias for household consumption we find no significant effect of interviewer variables, which suggests validity of the data collected. The paper maps out possibilities to reduce non-sampling errors such as observing suitable interview duration and timing and matching interviewer characteristics with those of respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Southeast Asia is known for its rich linguistic, cultural and biological diversity. While ethnobiology in the west has benefitted greatly from intellectual and methodological advances over the last decades, the status of Southeast Asian ethnobiology is largely unknown. This study aims to provide an analysis of the current status of ethnobiology in Southeast Asia and outlines possibilities for future advancements. Methods: We accessed papers cited in the Scopus and Web of Science databases for the period of 1960 to 2014 using the current as well as previous names of the 11 Southeast Asian countries and various disciplines of ethnobiology as key words. We juxtaposed the number of publications from each country against its number of indigenous groups and languages, to see if ethnobiology research has addressed this full spectrum of ethnical diversity. The available data for the last ten years was analysed according to the five phases concept to understand the nature of studies dominating Southeast Asian ethnobiology. Results and conclusions: A total number of 312 publications were recorded in the databases for the period 1960-2014. Indonesia ranks highest (93 studies), followed by Thailand (68), Malaysia (58) Philippines (42), Vietnam (31), Laos (29), and other Southeast Asian countries (44). A strong correlation was found between the number of publications for each country, the number of indigenous groups, and the number of endangered languages. Comparing the data available for the period 2005-2009 with 2010-2014, we found a strong increase in the number of phase 5 publications. However, papers with bioprospecting focus were also on the rise, especially in Malaysia. Our study indicates that ethnobiologists still need to realise the full potential of the Biocultural Diversity of Southeast Asia, and that there is a strong need to focus more on socially relevant research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy and energy security have become important to countries aiming to go on the path of sustainable development. In this regard this paper analyses the improvement of energy security which occurs as a result of energy efficiency (EE) improvements in the power sector. In this paper energy security is measured along three main themes which are oil security, gas security and sustainability. The energy systems of the selected countries, namely Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are modeled using an integer programming based optimization model called “Model for Energy Supply Strategy Alternatives and their General Environmental Impacts” – MESSAGE. Each country is modeled with two scenarios namely the reference scenario which maintains the status quo at the start year and the EE scenario which models EE options in the demand side as supply side alternatives. The time horizon is 2007–2030, where 2007 is the base year and 2030 is the end year. The results are presented for oil security, gas security, sustainability, and also for co-benefits such as mitigation of CO2 emissions, reduction in conventional primary energy use and reduction of local air pollutants such as SO2 and NO x . Results show that energy efficiency in Sri Lanka significantly increases the energy security whilst also accruing co-benefits of CO2 mitigation, mitigation of local air pollution and reducing the conventional primary energy use. In the case of Thailand and Vietnam, energy security is enhanced in the earlier years (2007–2015), but in the longer term of modeling horizon (2020–2030) energy security of both the reference and EE scenarios converge indicating that in terms of long term energy security implementing energy efficiency measures alone would not enhance energy security. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Low maternal health service utilisation amongst minority ethnic women in Vietnam is often attributed to ‘traditional customs’. Drawing on secondary data and original, qualitative research amongst Hmong and Thai communities, this paper analyses minority behaviour related to childbirth. The informed selectivity in service attendance identified can be considered, in part, a rejection of current medicalised approaches at health facilities, where supine delivery is compulsory and family members are prohibited from attending women in labour. The paper reveals how conventional analyses of barriers to minority maternal health service utilisation inhibit scrutiny of the ways services fail to engage with or accommodate local preferences. Participatory identification of mutually acceptable delivery methods by maternal health staff and local women is recommended to enable the development of culturally inclusive services. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper describes two innovative and linked approaches to teaching and student learning in the environmental and development geography of the Mekong region, a region remote from students’ normal experiential options. The first approach is field-based learning through Field Schools carried out in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. The second approach is a structured role-playing web-based simulation exercise (e-Sim) on Mekong Basin environmental management challenges. This paper discusses the complementarities of these approaches and considers the degree to which these two experiential approaches to teaching and learning have contributed to key competences, namely cross-cultural communication and understanding, multi-disciplinary approaches to environment and development, and regional knowledge of Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the most remarkable events in the world during the last half-century has been the notable economic growth, social transformation and poverty reduction that has taken place in Asia. The March 2002 issue of the 'Journal of Asian & African Studies,' contains nine papers, authored by economists, sociologists and anthropologists, covering five countries in the region including India, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. These papers suggest that rather than making land reform the centerpiece of the strategy for rural development and poverty reduction, the government should give priority to investments in physical and social infrastructures, agricultural research and technology transfer and enforcement of contractual arrangements and property rights. The paper by Saurabh Sinha, Michael Lipton and Shahin Yaqub is closely related to the Baulch and McCulloch paper in that it also is concerned with transitory changes in household welfare.

Background: Rare diseases, also referred to as orphan diseases, are characterised by their low prevalence with majority of them are chronically debilitating and life threatening. Given the low prevalence and the widely dispersed but very small patient base for each disease, there may often be a disproportion in the availability of treatments and resources to manage patients, spur research and train experts. This is especially true in Southeast Asian countries that are currently in the process of implementing or revising their universal health coverage schemes. This paper aims to examine the status of rare disease management in Southeast Asian countries. It will serve as the basis for a more active discussion on how countries in the region can address an under-recognised rare disease burden and enhance national and regional capacities.Methods: The study consists of literature reviews and key stakeholders interviews in six focus countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand and five countries as best practice, comprising of France, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, and South Korea. Rare disease management initiatives across each country were examined based on the World Health Organization's framework for action in strengthening health systems.Results: The results suggest rare disease management remains challenging across Southeast Asia, as many of the focus countries face fundamental issues from basic healthcare systems to funding. Nonetheless, there are substantial improvement opportunities, including leveraging best practices from around the world and organising a multi-stakeholder and regional approach and strategy.Conclusions: Southeast Asian countries have made significant progress in the management of rare disease, but there remain key areas for substantial development opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, policies designed for high penetration of distributed photovoltaics (DPV) primarily have shifted from mainly encouraging investment through subsidies to addressing equity and stakeholder concerns on retail tariffs and utility revenue impacts. Net metering and feed-in tariffs now serve as the main policy mechanisms to support distributed PV in the U.S. and Europe, although modifications are ongoing to alleviate concerns over consumer inequity and the financial health of utilities. Retail tariff design and utility revenue impacts are now at the forefront of the debate for ASEAN countries formulating new policies and incentives for PV deployment. This paper discusses experiences of DPV development in the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. These countries have ongoing efforts to adjust their DPV programs to match a rapidly dynamic and evolving DPV market and incorporate new technology capabilities such as blockchain-based peer-to-peer solar energy trading platforms. The paper also presents a quantitative analysis of customer economics under various competing compensation mechanisms and analyzes the remaining barriers to DPV market expansion in these three countries. Net billing could achieve more economically equitable policy design for other Southeast Asian countries looking to make solar electricity broadly accessible for all. • Evolving financial support mechanisms for distributed PV are reviewed in three countries. • Policy changes respond to multi-faceted factors, especially utility revenue and rate impacts. • The economics of residential and commercial customers under different compensation mechanisms are compared. • Current design of compensation mechanisms in these countries incentivize PV undersizing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary In this paper we propose a new measure of exposure to downside risk. Its reference point is the current standard of living of a household as opposed to other benchmarks such as the poverty line in the case of measures of vulnerability. Using panel data from Thailand and Vietnam we develop an empirical approach to quantify our measure. More precisely, we predict truly forward looking probabilities and deprivation indices of different states of the world and aggregate them to country specific measures of exposure to downside risk. We scrutinize the correlates of these measures in the periods 2007–08 and 2008–09 using regressions with household fixed effects. We examine vulnerability to poverty and “hybrid” vulnerability to poverty in an identical empirical framework. This allows us to draw conclusions with respect to the value added of our new measure. We find that the measure of exposure to downside risk indeed offers complimentary information that may be relevant from a policy perspective and recommend to incorporate its appraisal in holistic assessments of vulnerability and risk exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The diffusion of the advanced digital production technologies associated with Industry 4.0 remains limited among firms in developing economies. • Firms' participation in GVCs is positively and significantly associated with the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. • The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies is associated with a labor productivity premium at the firm level. The adoption of new technology is a key driver of firm performance and economic development. Yet the process of transferring and adopting new technologies is not seamless, particularly when the pace of technological change accelerates, and more advanced capabilities are required for the effective operation of new technology. In this paper we develop a framework for the analysis of the drivers of adoption of advanced digital production technologies associated with Industry 4.0 in developing economies. In particular, we ask whether firms' participation to global value chains (GVCs) can facilitate the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing sectors. Using a novel UNIDO database on firms' adoption of different generations of production technology in Ghana, Viet Nam, and Thailand, we find that firms' participation to GVCs is positively associated with the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, and that adoption is positively associated with firm-level performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the social and cultural dimensions of fish hatchery development in Vietnam and Thailand. Two detailed case studies highlight the importance of a variety of culturally mediated, informal interpersonal relationships in facilitating the establishment of new hatchery enterprises. The analysis reveals that in both Vietnam and Thailand, informal relationships are extremely effective conduits for the transfer of productive technologies from public institutions to private entrepreneurs and for the subsequent development of private enterprises. It is concluded that if current policies aimed at promoting private sector development are to be more successful, they must be better tailored to the contours of specific cultural geographies in locations where they are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the changing role and place of handicrafts in contemporary rural development processes. Building on fieldwork conducted in four settlements in northern Thailand and Vietnam, we discuss how a traditional sector is being reshaped under the forces of globalisa-tion and what this means for the character of rural livelihoods. This empirical analysis permits us to reflect on wider areas of debate within development and economic geography. By examining the spatialities of production, we explore how the 'place' of handicrafts in the settlements is being reshaped. We show how, although handicraft production retains an image of being part of a traditional sector built around local skills and inputs, in reality the activities have become deterritorialised and are increasingly spatially dispersed. Nonetheless, handicraft production remains economically and socially embedded and is helping to sustain village economies both in situ and in distant locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Litchi (Litchi Chinensis Sonn.) is an important commercial fruit in Thailand and Vietnam. Litchi fruit is consumed both as fresh and dried products. Also most of the export of litchi is in the form of dried whole litchi fruit. Thermo-physical properties and drying model of litchi fruit is important for optimum design of litchi dryer. This paper presents moisture diffusivity, shrinkage and finite element simulated drying of litchi fruit. The moisture diffusivities of litchi were determined by minimizing the sum of square of deviations between the predicted and experimental values of moisture content of thin layer drying under controlled conditions of air temperature and relative humidity. The components in the form of cylinder for seed and seed stalk and slab for seed coat, shell and flesh were dried in thin layers at the air temperatures of 50, 60, 70 and 80°C and relative humidity in the range of 10–25%. The mean diffusivity of flesh, seed and shell of litchi fruit increased with temperature and was expressed by the Arrhenius-type equation, but the diffusivities of seed coat and seed stalk were independent of temperature. The moisture diffusivities of seed coat and seed stalk were much lower than those of the other parts of the litchi. The shrinkage of litchi fruit has also been determined experimentally and it was expressed as a function of moisture reduction. A two-dimensional finite element model has been developed to simulate moisture diffusion in litchi fruit during drying. Shrinkage of the flesh and different component diffusivities of litchi during drying were also taken into account. The finite element model was programmed in Compaq Visual FORTRAN version 6.5. This finite element model satisfactorily predicts the moisture diffusion during drying. Moisture contents in the different components in the litchi fruit during drying were also simulated. This study provides an understanding of the transport processes in the different components of the litchi fruit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

China, an upstream state and a regional hegemon in the Mekong River Basin, is commonly viewed as unilaterally exploiting water resources, irrespective of downstream states (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia). This view is derived mainly from China's unilateral exploitation of the upper watershed for hydroelectricity and navigation, raising concerns about negative socio-ecological impacts on the downstream states. However, recent empirical evidence shows that China is gradually getting involved in negotiations and processes with the downstream states, compromising with them little by little. Indications of this policy shift include: (a) its signing agreements for hydrological data exchange, (b) confidence-building with co-riparans in the Dialogue Meeting of the Mekong River Commission, and (c) multinational negotiation with co-riparians in framework of regional institutions. In light of this shift, this article argues that China is not fully enjoying its superior resources or its superior riparian position, contrary to the common view. The aim of this paper is to (1) explain and provide updated information on these negotiation mechanisms, which are attempting to resolve the upstream-downstream dispute in the Mekong River Basin, and (2) produce counterevidence against the Theory of Hegemonic Cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — Despite contrary evidence, much management research treats Asians as culturally homogeneous. This study seeks to explore how managers from four Asian nations differ in conflict management and whether observed differences are linked to cultural attitudes. Design/methodology/approach — A questionnaire assessed conflict management practices and cultural attitudes of managers from four nations with considerable historical, geographical, and economic differences. ANOVA and ANCOVA were used to test hypotheses about groups differences in preference for three conflict management styles — competing integrating, and avoiding — controlling for differences in demographics and cultural attitudes. Findings — Statistically significant differences were found on all three of the conflict management styles, although the hypotheses were only partly supported. Controlling for differences in demographics and cultural attitudes had little impact on the main findings. Some similarities among the nationalities were found: "integrating" was the most preferred style, and showed the least variation, among the groups. However, there was less similarity among the nationalities regarding "competing" and "avoiding". Research limitations/implications — Since the hypotheses — based largely on national culture differences among the nationalities — were only partly supported, future research should attempt to identify variables that better explain differences among nationalities in conflict management style. Practical implications — The information on conflict management style preferences in these four nations will be valuable to those wishing to do business there. Further, refuting the common assumption of cultural homogeneity among Asians will better prepare Westerners for doing business elsewhere in Asia. Originality/value — This paper demonstrates that national differences in conflict management style were not based on demographic differences in the sample or differences in cultural attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the role of some key technological options (i.e., fuel-switching and renewable energy technologies) available under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the power sector of three Asian countries--Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. A long-term electricity planning model is used with the aim of minimizing the total net cost of certified emission reduction (CER) benefits from these countries' power sector during 2006 to 2025. The results show that cleaner thermal power generation technologies involving fuel-switching from coal to gas or oil would be the main source of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction not only at the presently prevailing CER prices but also at significantly higher prices. The CDM potential of most renewable energy technologies is found to be weak during the study period at prevailing CER prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 wide ranging goals that articulates the desired outcome of sustainable development. The private sector is a key factor in achieving these goals through actions of corporate sustainability. However, there is a paucity of research regarding the application of Sustainable Development Goals at the firm level and it remains unclear how the private sector can operationalise and achieve the goals through corporate sustainability. While every Sustainable Development Goal is deemed of equal importance, it is up to individual firms to interpret and prioritise their implementation. Using a case study approach, this paper identified the specific goals considered by Japanese manufacturing multinational enterprises as a priority when establishing or significantly expanding operations in developing countries. The methodology employed allowed the retrospective analysis of corporate sustainability data through a Sustainable Development Goal lens. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 58 respondents from 16 sample firms operating in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The results show the multinational enterprises in the sample focus on a particular set of Sustainable Development Goals when establishing, or significantly expanding, subsidiary operations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The findings show policy makers in the host countries should ensure Sustainable Development Goals such as education and strong institutions are in place to attract multinational enterprises to their shores. Other stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations and the community were also seen to influence the prioritisation of certain goals considered by firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes (the Code) adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 1981 and regularly updated through subsequent WHA resolutions, represents the international policy framework for protecting breastfeeding against inappropriate marketing practices. By March 2016, at least 135 countries had some measures covering provisions of the Code in their legislation. The translation of the International Code into national measures was investigated in the context of the advocacy efforts undertaken by the Alive & Thrive (A&T) initiative with UNICEF and partners. A real‐time evaluation was carried out over 22 months in seven Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic [Lao PDR], Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor‐Leste) and two African countries (Burkina Faso and Ethiopia). Drivers of policy change and progress were examined. Two theory‐based approaches were used: developmental evaluation and contribution analysis. Data collection methods included participant observation, key informant meetings, in‐depth interviews, reflective practice, and desk review. Overall, countries made significant progress in translating the International Code into national measures and in moving forward throughout the policy cycle. The main driver of policy change was the creation of a strategic group, which engaged key relevant actors and supported the government in the performance of 15 critical tasks, which the analysis reveals is a second driver. Those critical tasks are described in this paper and could help public health advocates to anticipate the stages and challenges of policy change and develop more effective strategies to translate the Code into their legal framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]