The project, which was designed to help create more jobs for the poor as well as protect the environment and ethnic groups, will benefit nive Lao provinces and five Vietnamese provinces, identified as having high tourism potential and a large number of poor.

The project is part of the Greater Mekong Sub region Tourism Sector Strategy 2006-2015.

The Asian Development Bank will give Vietnam and Laos $10 million each toward the $21.98 million project.

The project involves the construction of new handicraft markets, viewing points, small access roads, walking trails, tourism signs, information and visitors centers, parking areas, small river piers, community lodges and bathroom facilities.

The Greater Mekong Sub region consists of Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Source: Thanh Nien