The Greater Mekong Sub-region grouping and the Asian Development Bank have agreed to expand their cooperation in developing a sustainable eco-tourism industry in the six GMS member-nations for the period 2006-2015, with the aim of reducing poverty in the GMS region.
The ADB, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia have agreed on 29 projects relating to the development of infrastructures linking the six GMS members, in order to facilitate communications and transportation among the six nations. Two of which run through the Lao PDR.
Route 3 linking Southern China to Northern Thailand via Laos' Luang Namtha and Bokeo provinces is currently being constructed, whereas the Route 9 East-West Corridor, linking Thailand and Vietnam via Savannakhet, has been completed except for Friendship Bridge #2 over the Mekong linking Savannakhet and Mukdahan.
The construction of the bridge had been delayed after a crane accident in mid 2005, but is expected to be completed by the end of 2006.
Listen to our Laos Today report for details.