China, People's Republic of : Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3

Sovereign Project | 50050-005

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) signed a framework financing agreement for the Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program (GRIP) on 15 October 2016. Under the program, a roadmap was developed to help the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GZAR) and Viet Nam capture regional cooperation and integration benefits in their border areas through small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support enhancement, cross-border financial transaction and investment promotion, cross-border e-commerce platforms development, border economic zone (BEZ) infrastructure construction, and policy coordination improvement. On 1 December 2016, ADB approved the provision of a $450 million multitranche financing facility (MFF) to the PRC for the GRIP to be implemented through three tranches from 2017-2024. Tranche 1 amounting to $130 million of ADB financing was approved on 12 December 2016 with the current loan closing date of 30 June 2022.

Project Name Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3
Project Number 50050-005
Country / Economy China, People's Republic of
Project Status Active
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Loan
Source of Funding / Amount
Loan 4122-PRC: Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3
Ordinary capital resources US$ 140.00 million
Operational Priorities OP1: Addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities
OP2: Accelerating progress in gender equality
OP3: Tackling climate change, building climate and disaster resilience, and enhancing environmental sustainability
OP5: Promoting rural development and food security
OP7: Fostering regional cooperation and integration
Sector / Subsector

Agriculture, natural resources and rural development / Agro-industry, marketing, and trade

Industry and trade / Industry and trade sector development - Small and medium enterprise development - Trade and services

Gender Effective gender mainstreaming
Description

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the People's Republic of China (PRC) signed a framework financing agreement for the Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program (GRIP) on 15 October 2016. Under the program, a roadmap was developed to help the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GZAR) and Viet Nam capture regional cooperation and integration benefits in their border areas through small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) support enhancement, cross-border financial transaction and investment promotion, cross-border e-commerce platforms development, border economic zone (BEZ) infrastructure construction, and policy coordination improvement. On 1 December 2016, ADB approved the provision of a $450 million multitranche financing facility (MFF) to the PRC for the GRIP to be implemented through three tranches from 2017-2024. Tranche 1 amounting to $130 million of ADB financing was approved on 12 December 2016 with the current loan closing date of 30 June 2022. Tranche 2 of $180 million was approved on 4 April 2018 with the current loan closing date of 30 November 2023.

The Government of the PRC submitted a request for a loan up to $140 million from ADB's ordinary capital resources for tranche 3 on 6 August 2021. Tranche 3 of the MFF will align with the program strategic roadmap to support (i) SME development in the border areas through vocational training capacity enhancement and expansion of the Sino-ASEAN Agricultural Products Trade Center in Baise City, (ii) integrated cross-border e-commerce platforms development for the PRC and Viet Nam, (iii) provision of key infrastructure and trade-related services in BEZs, and (iv) physical and informational connectivity and policy coordination through development of the Sino-Viet Nam Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone in Chongzuo City.

Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy

The border areas of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GZAR) in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Viet Nam are key areas for regional cooperation and integration (RCI) along the North-South Economic Corridor (NSEC) under the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program (GMS). However, transport and trade along NSEC are inefficient, and the presence of various critical bottlenecks hinders the border areas from realizing their economic growth potential. Major challenges include (i) the low level of development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to limited access to bank credit, lack of reliable market information, challenges in hiring and retaining skilled staff and labor; (ii) costly, risky, and time-consuming cross-border financial transactions; (iii) difficulties faced by local traders in adopting e-commerce to access to markets due to a lack of common platforms and inadequate trade facilitation measures for cross-border e-commerce; (iv) inadequate infrastructure and services in border economic zones (BEZs); and (v) poor infrastructure for connectivity, especially at key border crossing points. Addressing these constraints will require a strategic, holistic, multisector approach to promote cross-border economic activities. The multitranche financing facility (MFF) is a suitable modality to help GZAR address aforementioned constraints as well as creating spill over benefits to Viet Nam.

With the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), regional economic cooperation between Guangxi and Viet Nam is impacted. The pandemic is largely contained in the PRC but remains a risk, particularly to border trade and regional cooperation on tourism. With the growing recognition of the need for measures to prevent cross-border spread of the pandemic, other public health threats, and the broad cross border risks, regional cooperation is a key part of the recovery of the GZAR and neighboring areas of Viet Nam from COVID-19. Providing and expanding regional public goods in areas such as supporting climate change mitigation and adaption, protecting the environment, and mitigating cross border public health and other risks are also called for in ADB's new country partnership strategy for the PRC (2021-2025).

Impact

Economic growth potential for border areas in the PRC and Viet Nam realized

Efficient transport and trade operations along GMS North-South Economic Corridor achieved

Economic integration between GZAR and the rest of GMS further strengthened

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Benefits of regional cooperation and integration in border areas of Guangxi and northern Viet Nam captured

Progress Toward Outcome To be assessed.
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Support for SME in border areas expanded

Integrated cross-border e-commerce platforms for the PRC and Viet Nam developed

Key infrastructure and trade-related services for BEZs improved

Physical and informational connectivity and policy coordination improved

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues) Project generally on track. As of 20 September 2023, cumulative contract awards was $11 million, about 8% of the total loan amount. Cumulative disbursement was $5 million, about 4% of the total loan amount.
Geographical Location Nation-wide
Safeguard Categories
Environment B
Involuntary Resettlement B
Indigenous Peoples B
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects Each subproject proposed through tranche 3 have been classified by ADB as category B for environment. A consolidated initial environmental examination (IEE) and EMP have been prepared based on information provided in the domestic environmental impact reports (EIRs) and environment impact tables (EITs), feasibility study reports, and site reconnaissance. The EIRs and EITs for all subprojects have been approved by the local Environmental Protection Bureaus. The IEE and EMP will be updated during detailed design as required.
Involuntary Resettlement The Project is category B for involuntary resettlement. Land acquisition and resettlement impacts of the Tranche 3 are not deemed significant, as the number of significantly affected persons (those who will lose more than 10% of household income and/or will physically be displaced) is less than 200 persons in each subproject.
Indigenous Peoples The Project is category B for indigenous peoples. The total population in the Project areas was 4,432,620 in 2019, of which the ethnic minorities (EM) population was about 3,730,629 (84%). The predominant groups are Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities. The subprojects are unlikely to have adverse impacts on EM communities' culture, religion, and belief systems. Ethnic minorities are expected to share the same project benefits and opportunities while measures to address adverse impacts and risks related to involuntary resettlement are reflected in the RPs.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design During environmental safeguard due diligence (JulySeptember 2020), stakeholder consultations were carried out using questionnaire surveys. Consultations were carried out at all subproject sites and respondents included affected residents from neighboring villages, farmers, students, village committees, and management committees' members. All persons and organizations consulted expressed support for the project. Further consultations will take place before the start of construction works (with due considerations to national and the World Health Organization guidelines on COVID-19 risks).
During Project Implementation Meaningful consultations will continue throughout project implementation. Proposed public consultation during construction and operation are set out in the EMP (Table EMP-8: Public Consultation Plan). Proposals include site visits, interviews, workshops, and investigation of specific issues.
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services ADB will engage international and national consultants following the ADB Procurement Policy and its associated project administration instructions and/or staff instructions.
Procurement All procurement of goods and works will be undertaken in accordance to ADB's Procurement Guidelines (2015, as amended from time to time). Open competitive bidding with national advertising will be used for procurement of ADB-financed works and contracts.
Responsible ADB Officer Xia, Heng
Responsible ADB Department East Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division PRC Resident Mission (PRCM)
Executing Agencies
Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, through Guangxi Foreign Loans Project Management Office
Timetable
Concept Clearance -
Fact Finding -
MRM 20 Jul 2021
Approval 01 Oct 2021
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 21 Sep 2023

Loan 4122-PRC

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
01 Oct 2021 02 Dec 2021 25 Mar 2022 31 Dec 2024 - -
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 326.70 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 140.00 20 Sep 2023 11.04 0.00 8%
Counterpart 186.70 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 20 Sep 2023 5.00 0.00 4%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating Satisfactory Satisfactory - Satisfactory - -

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

The Access to Information Policy (AIP) recognizes that transparency and accountability are essential to development effectiveness. It establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced.

The Accountability Mechanism provides a forum where people adversely affected by ADB-assisted projects can voice and seek solutions to their problems and report alleged noncompliance of ADB's operational policies and procedures.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of, or reference to, a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.


Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Fangchenggang Sino-ASEAN Trade and Cultural Exchange Center Updated Resettlement Plan Resettlement Plans Apr 2023
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: External Resettlement and Social Monitoring and Evaluation Report No. 1 Social Monitoring Reports Mar 2023
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Chongzuo Daxin Sino-Viet Nam Cross-Border Tourism Project Social Due Diligence Report (Addendum to Initial Environmental Examination) Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Feb 2023
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Chongzuo Cold Chain Logistics Demonstration Project Environmental Due Diligence Report (Addendum to Initial Environmental Examination) Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Nov 2022
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Chongzuo China-Viet Nam Border Economic Cooperation Zone Demonstration (Phase II) Subproject Updated Resettlement Plan Resettlement Plans Nov 2022
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Baise Cross-Border Agricultural Products Industry Chain Upgrade Social Due Diligence Report Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Oct 2022
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Environmental Management Plan Environmental Management Plans May 2021
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Chongzuo (Daxin County) China-Viet Nam Cross-Border Tourism Comprehensive Improvement Subproject Resettlement Plan Resettlement Plans Mar 2021
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Fangchenggang Sino-ASEAN Trade and Cultural Exchange Center Subproject Resettlement Plan Resettlement Plans Mar 2021
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Mar 2021
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Chongzuo Cold Chain Logistics Demonstration Subproject Resettlement Plan Resettlement Plans Mar 2021
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Chongzuo China-Viet Nam Border Economic Cooperation Zone Demonstration (Phase II) Subproject Resettlement Plan Resettlement Plans Feb 2021
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Updated Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Jan 2021
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Baise Cross-Border Agricultural Products Industry Chain Upgrade Subproject Resettlement Due Diligence Report Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Nov 2020
Guangxi Regional Cooperation and Integration Promotion Investment Program - Tranche 3: Baise Sino-Vietnam Cross-Border Training Center Subproject Resettlement Due Diligence Report Safeguards Due Diligence Reports Nov 2020

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

None currently available.


Related Publications

None currently available.


The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

Tender Title Type Status Posting Date Deadline
Advisory Support Program Firm - Consulting Closed
Project Management and Capacity Development Firm - Consulting Closed
External Resettlement and Social Monitor Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed
External Environment Monitor Specialist Individual - Consulting Closed

Contracts Awarded

Contract Title Approval Number Contract Date Contractor | Address Executing Agency Total Contract Amount (US$) Contract Amount Financed by ADB (US$)
CZ-CV-C1 Chongzuo Sino-Viet Nam Border Economic Cooperation Zone Demonstration Project (Phase II) Loan 4122 29 Mar 2023 JV of Guangxi Jinlang Construction Engineering Co., Ltd. and Beijing Daheng Software Technology Co., Ltd. | Guangxi and Beijing Govt of GZAR, thru Guangxi Foreign Lns_Prj Mgt Off 3,047,087.89 1,586,793.38
BS-N1-C1 Baise Cross-border Agricultural Products Industry Chain Upgrading Loan 4122 03 Feb 2023 China Railway 11th Bureau Group Corp., Ltd. | Hubei Province, PRC Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, through Guangxi Foreign Loans Project Management Office 13,326,715.07 8,747,070.93
GX-CS1 Project Management Capacity Development Loan 4122 07 Nov 2022 Energy and Environmental Development Research Center (EED) | Beijing Govt of GZAR, thru Guangxi Foreign Lns_Prj Mgt Off 1,024,170.16 1,024,170.16

Procurement Plan