emirates7 - The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has signed a financing agreement with the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to support the Southern National Road 13 development project, allocating AED 73.5 million (US$20 million) in funding.
The initiative aims to enhance Laos' transportation infrastructure by upgrading road conditions and improving traffic safety, thereby fostering economic growth, promoting environmental sustainability, and boosting both domestic and cross-border connectivity.
The agreement was signed virtually by Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and Phouvong Kittavong, Lao Deputy Minister of Finance, with senior officials and representatives from both sides in attendance.
Al Suwaidi highlighted that the agreement reflects ADFD’s continued commitment to supporting emerging economies through strategic development projects that enhance social well-being and quality of life. He described the project as a key step in advancing ADFD’s multilateral partnerships and promoting regional integration. Through such initiatives, the fund aims to help communities overcome development obstacles and achieve long-term stability and prosperity.
He also noted that ADFD is dedicated to a development-focused approach, delivering sustainable and impactful financing across essential sectors like transportation, energy, water, and healthcare. This support enables partner nations to execute their national development agendas and achieve meaningful socio-economic progress.
Deputy Minister Kittavong expressed gratitude for the UAE and ADFD’s support, highlighting the project’s significance in improving transportation accessibility and efficiency, which in turn strengthens both local and regional economic integration.
He added that the upgraded route will play a vital role in supporting Laos’ agricultural sector by improving market access for farmers, lowering transportation costs, enhancing food security, and boosting household incomes. Additionally, the project is expected to improve public services and offer sustainable development solutions for citizens.
Kittavong reaffirmed Laos’ interest in further expanding its collaboration with ADFD across other economic sectors in future development phases.
The project entails the construction and improvement of approximately 50 kilometers of roadway. This includes widening 20 kilometers from two lanes to four, complete with pedestrian sidewalks, and upgrading another 30 kilometers of existing road. Other components include enhanced traffic safety features, congestion reduction measures, improved stormwater drainage systems, the installation of two truck weigh stations, and technical training initiatives.
Once completed, the project is expected to benefit over 48,000 households annually, positively impacting more than 255,000 people by facilitating economic activity, improving access to markets and essential services, reducing travel time, and lowering transportation costs.
The initiative aims to enhance Laos' transportation infrastructure by upgrading road conditions and improving traffic safety, thereby fostering economic growth, promoting environmental sustainability, and boosting both domestic and cross-border connectivity.
The agreement was signed virtually by Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and Phouvong Kittavong, Lao Deputy Minister of Finance, with senior officials and representatives from both sides in attendance.
Al Suwaidi highlighted that the agreement reflects ADFD’s continued commitment to supporting emerging economies through strategic development projects that enhance social well-being and quality of life. He described the project as a key step in advancing ADFD’s multilateral partnerships and promoting regional integration. Through such initiatives, the fund aims to help communities overcome development obstacles and achieve long-term stability and prosperity.
He also noted that ADFD is dedicated to a development-focused approach, delivering sustainable and impactful financing across essential sectors like transportation, energy, water, and healthcare. This support enables partner nations to execute their national development agendas and achieve meaningful socio-economic progress.
Deputy Minister Kittavong expressed gratitude for the UAE and ADFD’s support, highlighting the project’s significance in improving transportation accessibility and efficiency, which in turn strengthens both local and regional economic integration.
He added that the upgraded route will play a vital role in supporting Laos’ agricultural sector by improving market access for farmers, lowering transportation costs, enhancing food security, and boosting household incomes. Additionally, the project is expected to improve public services and offer sustainable development solutions for citizens.
Kittavong reaffirmed Laos’ interest in further expanding its collaboration with ADFD across other economic sectors in future development phases.
The project entails the construction and improvement of approximately 50 kilometers of roadway. This includes widening 20 kilometers from two lanes to four, complete with pedestrian sidewalks, and upgrading another 30 kilometers of existing road. Other components include enhanced traffic safety features, congestion reduction measures, improved stormwater drainage systems, the installation of two truck weigh stations, and technical training initiatives.
Once completed, the project is expected to benefit over 48,000 households annually, positively impacting more than 255,000 people by facilitating economic activity, improving access to markets and essential services, reducing travel time, and lowering transportation costs.