ADB to support development in transport corridor towns

ADB to support development in transport corridor towns

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) aims to boost economic development in Mekong subregion countries by supporting the Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development project.

The tripartite meeting on the project preparatory technical assistance (PPTA) for the Mekong sub-regional corridor took place in Vientiane last Friday.

It aimed to provide the justification for the PPTA project and summary information on major outputs and activities, cost estimates and implementation arrangements.

Seven districts are involved in the project, including Huayxay district in Bokeo province and Luang Namtha district of Luang Namtha, as well as three districts in Vietnam and two districts in Cambodia.

The project aims to boost the infrastructure in targeted districts of the respective countries so they are ready to make the most of the coming economic development opportunities.

Implementation will focus on improving national strategies on corridor towns development in each Mekong subregion country as well as revising the strategic plans for economic development at the community level.
The PPTA project is set to spend one year to work on four different phases, those being preparations, planning, feasibility studies and the project proposal for development funds.

Bokeo and Luang Namtha provinces share borders with Thailand, Myanmar and China. These neighbouring countries are the main trade partners with Laos as it also contributes to social and economic development.
A total of US$40 million will be needed for infrastructure development subprojects in these two districts, once the PPTA project is successfully carried out.

Director General of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s Department of Housing and Urban Planning Mr Khamthavy Thaiphachanh, ADB senior representatives and other guests were among those who attended the meeting.

vientiane times