The Vietnamese government has asked President Truong Tan Sang to approve a loan agreement between Vietnam and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a project to upgrade transport infrastructure in the Mekong Delta region, where there is a dense network of canals. Under agreements signed by the State Bank of Vietnam and ADB on Oct 16, 2013, ADB will lend Vietnam $410 million for the project, which will include construction of Vam Cong and Cao Lanh bridges. The government also asked Mr. Sang to approve a $134 million grant agreement from the Australian government for the project. The project aims to reduce transport costs and facilitate trade by improving the main inland waterways and road corridors in the Mekong Delta region. (baodientu.chinhphu.vn Dec 9, bizlive.vn Dec 9)
