The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an aid worth 23 million USD for development projects in Laos’ northern provinces.

The provinces to receive the assistance include Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Phongsaly and Oudomxay.

The projects will be implemented in 2011-2015, focusing on building infrastructure, and improving and developing irrigation and road systems in rural and remote areas.

An estimated 800,000 peoples are living in the project targeted areas, with 33 percent of them living under the poverty line and needing to be supported./.