Deputy Governor of Luang Namtha province, Mr Onchanh Khamphavong, welcomes the Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and her delegation on Wednesday.

Luang Namtha makes strides in infrastructure recovery with ADB support

Luang Namtha province: Luang Namtha authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to restoring infrastructure that suffered severe damage during storm Yagi last year.
The restoration of infrastructure was one of the topics discussed when  the province’s Deputy Governor, Mr Onchanh Khamphavong, met with  the Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Laos, Ms Shanny Campbell, who led a three-day working visit to Luang Namtha from October 1-3.
Mr Onchanh warmly welcomed the ADB delegation, expressing his appreciation for the Bank’s long-standing support in improving infrastructure, enhancing rural livelihoods, and strengthening food security across the province.
He noted that the visit provided an important opportunity to review the progress of ongoing cooperation and explore potential areas for future support that align with Luang Namtha’s development priorities.

The Deputy Governor also reported on the province’s economic performance, saying that Luang Namtha achieved steady growth in 2024, with GDP expanding by 5.2 percent to reach over 10.7 billion kip and average annual per capita income rising to US$2,254.92.
The agriculture and forestry sector continued to play a dominant role, contributing 54.78 percent of GDP, followed by the service sector at 28.19 percent and the industrial sector at 23.03 percent, Mr Onchanh said.
Ms Campbell and her delegation were also briefed on the outcomes of several ADB-funded projects in the province.
Among these is the Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Project – Additional Financing (2017-2024), which is being implemented in Luang Namtha, Sing and Long districts with total investment of US$35.6 million.
Mr Onchanh outlined the broader scope of ADB assistance provided to the province in recent years.

From 2011-2016, the first phase of the Northern Rural Infrastructure Development Project supported nine initiatives aimed at improving agricultural production and market access, with total funding amounting to 32,570 billion kip. A second phase, implemented from 2018-2023, comprised six projects valued at US$7.174 million.
In addition, the Livestock Production Project, implemented from 2015- 2022 in Sing, Long and Nalae districts, received a loan of 5.4 billion kip and US$609,234.
A further six projects with a combined value of US$6.331 million have focused on restoring irrigation systems across the province.
Mr Onchanh also highlighted the urban development initiative being carried out under the Second Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project in Luang Namtha district, which comprises eight projects under eight contracts, with a total value of US$18.264 million.
As part of the visit, the ADB delegation, accompanied by Lao media personnel, travelled to various project sites to meet with local communities and beneficiaries.
These field visits aimed to assess the real-world impact of ADB-funded projects and gather feedback from residents whose lives have been directly improved through better access to infrastructure, markets, and essential services.
The continued partnership between Luang Namtha authorities and the ADB is expected to play a crucial role in building a more resilient and sustainable future for the province, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by widespread flooding and shifting economic conditions.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
(Latest Update October 4, 2025)