AquaSai Regional Funding & Incentives Guide
Comprehensive funding opportunities for sustainable water management across South & Southeast Asia
Supporting MSR technology implementation in Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, and Bhutan
Comprehensive funding opportunities for sustainable water management across South & Southeast Asia
Supporting MSR technology implementation in Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, and Bhutan
Thailand offers one of the most comprehensive support frameworks for environmental technology in Southeast Asia, with strong government incentives through the Board of Investment (BOI) and active international funding partnerships. The country's Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model provides multiple pathways for water management projects.
Processing: 3-6 months | Deadline: Rolling applications year-round
Board of Investment (BOI)
Secretary General: Ms. Duangjai Asawachintachit
Phone: +66 2 553 8111 | Email: head@boi.go.th
Website: www.boi.go.th
Processing: 4-8 months | Application Cycles: Quarterly
Processing: 6-12 months | Application Window: January-March annually
Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP)
Website: www.onep.go.th
Next Deadline: January 31, 2025 (5:00 PM Bangkok time)
Processing: 4-6 months | Project Duration: 3 years
National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
Ms. Chontida Tangnara & Ms. Ariya Foithong
Email: chontida.t@nrct.go.th, ariya.f@nrct.go.th
Tel: +66 (0) 2561 2445 ext. 206
Processing: 12-24 months | Submission: Quarterly cycles
Department of Climate Change and Environment
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Dr. Kittisak Prukkanone, Director of Strategy and International Cooperation
Processing: 12-18 months | Application: Rolling basis, quarterly reviews
ADB Thailand Office
Mr. Hideaki Iwasaki, Country Director
Phone: +66 2 263 5300 | Email: adbrm@adb.org
Website: www.adb.org/countries/thailand
Nepal faces significant water management challenges with climate-induced disasters and rapid urbanization. The government, in partnership with international organizations, offers substantial funding for water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and sustainable development projects. Major opportunities exist through the World Bank, ADB, and UN programs.
World Bank Nepal Office
Faris Hadad-Zervos, Country Director
Email: dchung1@worldbank.org (Washington) | ashrestha9@worldbank.org (Kathmandu)
Subprogram 2: Under development for 2026-2027
ADB Nepal Resident Mission
Arnaud Cauchois, Country Director
Phone: +977 1 429 0100
Website: www.adb.org/countries/nepal
UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme Nepal
Mr. Vivek Dhar Sharma, National Coordinator
Tel: +977 9851122295 | Email: vivek.sharma@undp.org
Address: Bhanimandal, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal
UNDP Nepal
Mr. Vijaya Singh, Environment, Energy and Disaster Reduction Unit
Tel: +977 1 5523200 | Email: vijaya.singh@undp.org
Address: UN House, POB 107, Kathmandu, Nepal
Processing: 12-24 months from concept to approval
Submission: Quarterly cycles for concept notes
Approval: November 2024 | Implementation: 2025-2030
Vietnam is rapidly expanding its environmental infrastructure with significant government and international support. The country has committed to ambitious climate goals and is actively promoting green finance, sustainable water management, and private sector participation in water infrastructure through new PPP regulations and green bond frameworks.
First 20-Year Green Project Bond: Vietnam's water sector achieved a major breakthrough with the Xuan Mai Water Supply System Project, issuing VND 875.1 billion (~USD 34.5 million) in 20-year green bondsβthe longest-tenor project bond in Vietnam's history.
GuarantCo
Nishant Kumar, Managing Director, Asia Investments
Email: info@guarantco.com
Website: www.guarantco.com
Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Vietnam
Support for green bond frameworks
Website: gggi.org/country/vietnam
FiinRatings Joint Stock Company
Nguyen Quang Thuan, CEO
Services: Credit ratings, green bond verification, Second Party Opinion
Website: fiinratings.vn
Green Climate Fund Vietnam
National Designated Authority: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Website: www.greenclimate.fund/countries/viet-nam
USAID Vietnam
Website: www.usaid.gov/vietnam
International Bureau - German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Dr. Gerd RΓΌcker, Scientific Officer
Tel: +49 228 38211180
Website: www.internationales-buero.de
Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)
Dinh Viet Dzung, Department of International Relations
Mobile: +84 913 266 851
Address: 39 Tran Hung Dao Str., Hanoi
Bhutan, recognized globally for its Gross National Happiness philosophy and carbon-negative status, is actively seeking sustainable development solutions including water management systems. While smaller in scale than neighboring countries, Bhutan offers unique opportunities through its strong environmental governance framework and commitment to maintaining its carbon-negative status while pursuing modernization.
UNDP Bhutan
National Coordinator, GEF Small Grants Programme
Email: registry.bt@undp.org
Address: UN House, Peling Lam, Kawangjangsa, Thimphu
Tel: +975 2 323094
Website: www.undp.org/bhutan
National Environment Commission (NEC)
GCF National Designated Authority
Address: Thimphu, Bhutan
Website: www.nec.gov.bt
ADB Bhutan Resident Mission
Address: UN House, Peling Lam, Kawangjangsa, Thimphu
Tel: +975 2 323424
Email: adbbrm@adb.org
Website: www.adb.org/countries/bhutan
JICA Bhutan Office
Address: UN House, Peling Lam, Kawangjangsa, Thimphu
Tel: +975 2 322153
Website: www.jica.go.jp/english/
World Bank Bhutan
Country Office: Thimphu
Website: www.worldbank.org/en/country/bhutan
| Country | Government Incentives | Major International Funders | Grant Size Range | Processing Time | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΉπ Thailand | BOI (8-yr tax holidays), BCG incentives, Environmental Fund | JFS, GCF, ADB, Czech SSP | $8K - $50M+ | 3-24 months | Most comprehensive, 100% foreign ownership, established frameworks |
| π³π΅ Nepal | Government co-financing through World Bank/ADB programs | World Bank, ADB, GEF-SGP, GCF | $50K - $100M | 3-24 months | Large-scale multilateral projects, strong gender focus |
| π»π³ Vietnam | Green bonds, PPP framework, MOC support | GuarantCo, GCF, GGGI, USAID, Germany | $100K - $50M | 6-24 months | Innovative green finance, proven 20-yr bond model |
| π§πΉ Bhutan | NEC environmental frameworks, GNH alignment required | GEF-SGP, GCF, ADB, JICA, World Bank | $50K - $50M | 3-24 months | Carbon-negative status, strong environmental governance |