The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed to provide VND635 million ($30,400) to prevent HIV/AIDS, drugs and human trafficking in Vietnam’s northwestern province of Lao Cai, state media reported. The 33-month program will start this Nov. Beneficiaries will be local people and those participating in the Noi Bai-Lao Cai expressway project, the Vietnam News Agency said Nov 17. Earlier this year, ADB pledged to fund $1.09 billion to Noi Bai-Lao Cai expressway project. As of end-2009, the ADB provided over $8 billion for 87 projects and programs in Vietnam, of which $3.15 billion was disbursed, making the Southeast Asian country become its third largest aid recipient behind Bangladesh and Pakistan. (Vietnamplus Nov 17)
