ASIATODAY.ID, HA NOI – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Viet Nam signed a $60 million financing package to upgrade and construct transport and water supply infrastructure in five upland districts with the highest concentration of ethnic minority communities in the central coastal provinces of Phu Yen and Quang Tri, Viet Nam.
Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong and ADB Country Director for Viet Nam Shantanu Chakraborty signed the financing package agreement at Ha Noi’s National Convention Center. ADB Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) Scott Morris and Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang witnessed the signing.
The Climate Resilient Inclusive Infrastructure for Ethnic Minority Project II will upgrade about 133 kilometers of district and commune roads using climate-resilient standards, construct and upgrade rural water supply, and provide reliable weather and climate data for early warning and disaster response. About 363,000 people, including 187,000 from ethnic minority groups, will directly benefit from the project.
“This project is a significant step towards enhancing the resilience and inclusiveness of rural infrastructure in Viet Nam’s central coastal region,” said Mr. Chakraborty, April 17, 2025.
“It will not only improve the quality of life for ethnic minority communities but also contribute to the sustainable economic development of the region.”
The financing package includes $59 million in ADB loans and a $1 million grant from ADB’s High-Level Technology Fund. The grant will fund the supply and installation of data systems for climate and disaster risk management. Additionally, the project will include $19.74 million in financing from the Government of Viet Nam.
Viet Nam’s economic growth rebounded to 7.1% in 2024. However, significant gaps exist between the coastal districts with strong economies and upland districts with a high ethnic minority population. In particular, upland district areas face low-quality and incomplete transport networks and water supply infrastructure. In addition, increasing exposure to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and typhoons is causing livelihood vulnerabilities and raising the cost of repair, reconstruction, and adaptation. The project will address some of these challenges.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—49 from the region. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel