Countries and Regions

	Table of Contents
p. 6 of 7 BACK | NEXT I. Current Development Trends and Issues II. Implementation of the Country Strategy and Program III. Portfolio Management Issues IV. Country Performance and Assistance Levels

Country Strategy and Program Update 2006-2008: Lao People's Democratic Republic

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III. Portfolio Management Issues

A. Portfolio Performance

24. Cumulative contract awards totaled $54.6 million as of 31 December 2004—70% of the annual target of $77.8 million. Disbursements reached $49.3 million—80% of the annual target of $61.8 million. The disbursement ratio of 17% was significantly lower than for the same period in 2003 (18.7%). Contract awards and disbursement were affected by delays in the second tranche releases for two program loans totaling $15 million.

B. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation

25. As of 31 December 2004, there were 23 active loans in the ADB portfolio amounting to $447.9 million. Of these, 22 loans were effective with $272.5 million of awarded contracts, and $219.5 million of disbursements. Two loans (power transmission and distribution, and community-managed irrigation) were closed in 2004 and two other loans (secondary towns development and industrial tree plantation) are due to be closed pending final account clearance. Two loans (roads for rural development and northern community-managed irrigation) were approved in 2004.

26. The ADB Board approved the loan proposal for the GMS: Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric project on 4 April 2005. ADB will closely monitor its implementation to ensure the project is successfully implemented, revenues are used effectively, and that it helps to reduce poverty.

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