ADB-funded Project Helps Bring Power to Vietnam Mountainous Region

More than 13,000 people in remote mountainous region in Vietnam’s northwestern provinces of Lai Chau and Dien Bien have benefited from a power project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  The project, connecting the two provinces into the national power grid, costs a combined VND948 billion ($45 million), including $30 million from the ADB. Kicked off in April 2012 and to complete in December 2014, the project is expected to bring power to roughly 16,207 households in Lai Chau and another 14,487 households in Dien Bien. Vietnam’s northern mountainous regions have suffered economic difficulties for years due to poor infrastructure, including weak power grids. (evn.com.vn June 19, Kinh Te Viet Nam The Gioi – Vietnam & World Economy June 20 p2)