The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a financing package of $24.9 million, inclusive of a $4.95 million Asian Development Fund grant, to help improve access to quality health services in the border provinces of Champasak, Phongsali, and Savannakhet of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for migrant workers in Thailand, who found themselves facing not only health risks but also economic and social hardships. Recognizing these challenges, the Asian Development Bank contracted a local-based civil society organization, Raks Thai Foundation, to implement a project aimed at addressing the plight of migrant workers in three provinces. It emphasized community-led prevention, the establishment of social protection systems, and economic support for jobless migrant workers.
Farmers are playing a pivotal role in Quảng Ninh, Viet Nam’s restructured vision for its agricultural sector for 2022-2025. The vision aims to expand agricultural markets, establish supply chains that integrate technology, and create a cohesive and sustainable agricultural economic ecosystem. Farmers are key drivers as the Government provides support, committing substantial resources to strengthen local farmers' capacity. Initiatives have included
Thailand’s unemployment rate dropped to 1.05%, its lowest in three years, as the country’s tourism industry rebounds.
The Kim Thanh International Border Gate between Lao Cai (Viet Nam) and Yunnan Province (PRC) plays a vital role in the GMS northern corridor. Photo by ADB.
The Asian Economic Integration Report 2023 highlights the continued growth of integration in subregional initiatives and programs in Southeast Asia, including both in the GMS and the ASEAN, from 2006 to 2020.
Caption: Photo by ADB
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a grant of $1.3 million to advance disaster risk management in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through technical assistance (TA). The TA will support the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response Work Programme, 2021–2025, which will strengthen regional cooperation on understanding, reducing, and managing transboundary risks.
The ADB and the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Cambodia convened the 5th Greater Mekong Subregion Working Group on Health Cooperation Meeting (GMS-WGHC-5 Meeting) on 13–14 December 2022 in Siem Reap.
Health outreach activities (left) and Cambodian migrant workers (right) at the border gate in Thailand.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $32.5 million in financing to improve access to quality health services in Banteay Meanchey, a border province in northwest Cambodia that serves as a hub for departing and returning migrants, and those seeking employment in the province’s special economic zones.
LaoSafe, a health and hygiene program for the tourism and hospitality sector, was rolled out in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic by the country’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, to welcome tourists back safely into the country.
Migrant worker operates an electric loom in a textile mill. ©ILO/Areeluck Phankhian via Flickr
Mr. Pairoj Chotikasathien, head of the Thai Labour Ministry’s employment department, shared that the Thai Cabinet has approved improved labor management measures to address the gap in migrant worker employment. These measures include (i) allowing documented workers to stay until February 2025; and (ii) allowing undocumented workers to register and work until the same date.
Greater Mekong Subregion Secretariat
Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination Division,
Southeast Asia Department, Asian Development Bank
Address: 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63 2 8632 4444 Fax: +63 2 8636 2226