ADB and Australian Agency for International Development will provide an $87.39 million package of loans and grants to help Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam pair infrastructure upgrades with community-based disaster risk management and enhanced regional forecasting to improve flood and drought preparedness in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

The Government of Norway will provide an $850,000 technical assistance grant to ADB to help Myanmar update its 1984 Electricity Law so that it reflects current international standards, and creates the right conditions for establishing an electricity regulator, expanding rural electrification, and promoting off-grid solutions.

ADB will provide a $57.75 million loan to improve government accountability in Indonesia, by helping equip auditors and other public finance officers with the necessary skills to perform rigorous checks at the central and local government levels.

ADB is providing $20 million in grants and loans to support Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam prevent the spread of HIV infections in 23 border provinces where risks are growing due to increased population movement and commercial activities along economic corridors.

ADB today approved a $400 million loan that will help the state of West Bengal in India break a cycle of debt and development spending cuts.

ADB and the Government of Australia are providing $570,000 in technical assistance to strengthen planning and reforms in post-primary education in Myanmar, including secondary education, technical and vocational education and training, and higher education, a vital component to ensuring the country is prepared for opportunities created by ongoing democratic and financial reforms.

Agricultural products moving through the northeastern port area of Tianjin will soon have an expanded shelf life and lower spoilage rates with ADB providing its first-ever logistics-related loan to establish a large capacity cold chain facility.