Vientiane: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $149 million for four projects in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) scheduled for 2025, aimed at enhancing the country's social and economic development priorities. These initiatives focus on agriculture, health, education, and forestry, emphasizing climate resilience, human capital development, sustainable livelihoods, and private sector engagement. 'These investments work together to strengthen essential services, empower people and enterprises, and build a greener, more competitive economy,' stated Shanny Campbell, ADB Country Director for the Lao PDR. 'By improving agrifood systems, primary healthcare, skills for the green economy, and responsible forestry, ADB is supporting the Government of the Lao PDR's agenda to deliver inclusive growth and resilient development across the country.'According to Lao News Agency, the $63 million Sustainable Agrifood System Sector Project aims to enhance climate-resilient and competitive agrifood sys tems in Lao PDR. It seeks to improve food security, nutrition, and incomes for vulnerable communities by expanding access to financial services, supporting climate-resilient financing, developing value chains, enhancing food safety laboratory services, and upgrading irrigation systems and rural connectivity roads. The project targets six provinces: Champasak, Salavan, Xekong, Houaphan, Phongsali, and Xaignabouli, providing targeted support for high-value commodities such as bamboo, coffee, durian, sustainable cassava, and tea to boost value addition and export potential.The $40 million Green Primary Care Project is set to strengthen climate-resilient primary health services across Lao PDR. This initiative involves upgrading and equipping health facilities, climate-proofing water systems, training health workers for service continuity during climate shocks, and supporting community-led climate adaptation. Spanning 51 districts, including 14 climate-vulnerable areas across Champasak, Louangphabang, Oudomxai, Savannakhet, and Xiangkhouang provinces, the project aims to protect national progress toward universal health coverage and marks a significant step toward a more resilient health system capable of withstanding increasing climate risks.The $36 million Skills Enhancement for Inclusive and Green Economic Development Project focuses on modernizing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Lao PDR to meet the growing demand for green jobs. It includes updating curricula, introducing courses in electric vehicle maintenance, ICT, and industrial electrical skills, strengthening school-industry partnerships, expanding short courses, and upskilling teachers. The project will upgrade 11 TVET schools, introduce energy-efficient equipment, and renovate dormitories for rural female students. It also aims to boost employment, particularly for young women, improve job readiness, and strengthen an inclusive, climate-resilient skills system.The $10 million Responsible Forestry Project - Phase I pilots new partnership models between public institutions, private investors, and communities to support sustainable plantations and conservation-based ecosystems. Alongside analytical and feasibility work for Phase II and capacity building, the project will be implemented in Bolikhamxay, Khammouan, and Vientiane Capital. It aims to strengthen forest stewardship and climate resilience, lay the groundwork for responsible private investment, and improve livelihoods for forest-dependent communities, especially women.Shanny Campbell emphasized the commitment to continue working closely with the Lao government through line ministries and in cooperation with development partners and stakeholders. 'Looking ahead to 2026, when we will commemorate 60 years of partnership between ADB and the Lao PDR, ADB is committed to continue working even more closely with the government-through line ministries and in cooperation with development partners and stakeholders-to deliver high-quality investments with lasting impact,' said Campbel l. 'Together, we will continue to drive progress that improves livelihoods, supports inclusive economic growth, and helps build a more resilient and prosperous future for all people in the Lao PDR.'ADB, a leading multilateral development bank, supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB employs innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 from the region.