MCDF FEATURES

Accelerating Resilient Road Development and Connectivity in Lao PDR

26 September 2025, Vientiane, Lao PDR

03:29

MCDF-Supported ProjectRoad Development Program in Lao PDR

Project TypeProject Preparation

SectorTransport

MCDF GrantUSD735,000

Approved Year2022

Beneficiary CountryLao PDR

Implementing PartnerAsian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Financing TypeSovereign

Project Page

Supported by a USD735,000 MCDF project preparation grant and implemented by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Road Development Program in Lao PDR seeks to sustainably enhance the transport capacity and resilience of National Road 13 (NR13), a critical trade route connecting landlocked Lao PDR with neighboring Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Partner Insights

Souksakhone Soutannouvong: Partnerships for Better Roads

01:03

Souksakhone Soutannouvong: Partnerships for Better Roads

Mr. Souksakhone Soutannouvong, Project Coordinator at the Lao PDR Ministry of Public Works and Transport, explains NR13’s importance for connecting Lao PDR with neighboring countries and how MCDF support is laying the groundwork for the road’s south extension through partnerships.

Wenyu Gu: High-Quality Project Preparation

01:46

Wenyu Gu: High-Quality Project Preparation

Mr. Wenyu Gu, Senior Investment Officer at AIIB, describes how MCDF’s project preparation support is helping to ensure that Lao PDR’s NR13 south extension, which AIIB is cofinancing, delivers greater regional connectivity while addressing climate risks and broader resilience imperatives.

Khamsy Chansamai: Prioritizing Road Safety and Inclusion

02:38

Khamsy Chansamai: Prioritizing Road Safety and Inclusion

Ms. Khamsy Chansamai, National Environmental and Social Safeguards Consultant, discusses how MCDF-supported environmental and social impact assessments under the Road Development Program in Lao PDR are focused on community engagement to make NR 13’s south extension safe and inclusive.

Project Beneficiaries: Voices from the Road

01:51

Project Beneficiaries: Voices from the Road

A local farmer and entrepreneur share their feelings of optimism about the expected benefits of NR13’s south extension for their lives and livelihoods. They are validated by testimonials from an upgraded section of the road completed under a comparable World Bank-financed project.