GMS in the News


Malaria Data in Asia and the Pacific: By the Numbers

Malaria is transmitted by female mosquitoes, which lay eggs directly on water. Most species prefer clean water. Photo: ADB.

Malaria Data in Asia and the Pacific: By the Numbers

The Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance, for which ADB is hosting the secretariat, is being launched in response to the urgent need to reduce the burden of this disease in the region. Here's a by-the-numbers look at the status of malaria in Asia and the Pacific.


Strengthened connectivity amongst countries along the Greater Mekong Subregion southern coastal corridor will help reduce HIV risks and provide new opportunities for growth and employment. Photo: ADB.

ADB, Australia Provide $37 Million to Keep Viet Nam Road Upgrades on Track

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (12 February 2013) – The Asian Development Bank and Government of Australia are providing an extra $37 million for a project improving roads and tackling HIV and human trafficking risks along a key coastal route linking Viet Nam and Cambodia.


The Greater Mekong Subregion has an opportunity to build on its success in promoting connectivity, economic competitiveness, and community through a new investment plan presented at the 5th GMS Leaders' Summit, says ADB President Takehiko Nakao. Photo: ADB.

ADB President Calls on Greater Mekong Subregion to Build on Achievements

BANGKOK, THAILAND (20 December 2014) — The President of the Asian Development Bank, Takehiko Nakao, completed a 2-day visit to Bangkok today, where he participated in the 5th Leaders’ Summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion and met top officials of the host country to discuss ADB’s deepening partnership with Thailand.


ADB President Takehiko Nakao meets Prime Minister of Thailand Prayuth Chan-ocha during a visit to Bangkok for the 5th Summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion. Photo: ADB.

ADB President Nakao Commends Thailand’s Economic Progress, Notes Potential for Future Growth

BANGKOK, THAILAND (19 December 2014) — The President of the Asian Development Bank, Takehiko Nakao, today met with Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister of Thailand, Finance Minister Sommai Phasee, and Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul to discuss Thailand’s recent economic performance and examine possible areas of further cooperation with ADB. He will also participate in the 5th Leaders Summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion.


The 4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge spanning the Mekong River was opened in 2013. The bridge, along with Route 3 Highway in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is bringing new life to an ancient trade route and the communities who live along the corridor. Photo: Jason Rush/ADB.

The 4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge spanning the Mekong River was opened in 2013. The bridge, along with Route 3 Highway in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is bringing new life to an ancient trade route and the communities who live along the corridor. Photo: Jason Rush/ADB.

Ancient Trade Route Delivers New Opportunities to the Greater Mekong Subregion

A modern highway and bridge connecting three countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion are reviving an ancient trade route and bringing new life to local communities.


ADB Supports Greater Mekong Subregion Initiatives to Promote Role Of Youth

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (10 December 2014)– In an effort to highlight the contribution of youth to the Greater Mekong Subregion, the Asian Development Bank is assisting 36 national youth representatives from Mekong countries on a journey of learning, to culminate in a youth message to the 5th GMS Summit to be held in Bangkok, Thailand next week.


ADB Country Director in Myanmar Winfried Wicklein sees off Myanmar youth representatives at the Yangon Airport on 9 December. Photo: ADB.

Myanmar Youth Representatives Begin Journey of Learning to Mekong Countries

YANGON, MYANMAR (10 December 2014) – Six Myanmar youth representatives today embarked on an Asian Development Bank-sponsored journey of learning through Mekong countries to develop and deliver a youth message at the 5th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit, 19-20 December in Bangkok.


The once-isolated Lanten ethnic group in Nam Chang village has long been admired for its high-quality, indigo-dyed cotton clothes. ADB and Fair Trade Laos provided a range of support to develop community-based tourism, including an access road connecting the village to the highway, and training in textile marketing and management. Photo: ADB/Jason Rush.

The once-isolated Lanten ethnic group in Nam Chang village has long been admired for its high-quality, indigo-dyed cotton clothes. ADB and Fair Trade Laos provided a range of support to develop community-based tourism, including an access road connecting the village to the highway, and training in textile marketing and management. Photo: ADB/Jason Rush.

Tourist Influx Helps Rural Lao PDR Thrive

Completion of the last overland link in the North-South Economic Corridor brings prosperity to poor provinces in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, a landlocked country that lies at the heart of the Greater Mekong Subregion.


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