The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 100 million USD aid package to support the development of tourism infrastructure in the three Mekong River countries of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

The decision was made at the annual meeting on tourism development of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) nations in Cambodia on December 6.

ADB’s aid will be funneled into those projects to boost regional tourism, build sea ports, implement water treatment in tourism spots and kickstart green tourism programmes with the involvement of local residents.
Additionally, the bank will also assist the three countries to strengthen efficiency in communication and cooperation with other regional neighbours.

GMS comprises of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand and China’s Yunnan province and Guangxi Autonomous region. The grouping receives some 40 million foreign tourists ever year.

ADB is the top donor for the GMS Economic Cooperation Programme, which participates in numerous projects including transport connection, trade and tourism, social services access, energy security and the environment.-VNA