submit for your approval the following report and recommendation on (i) a proposed
loan, and (ii) a proposed grant, both to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) for the
Pakse Urban Environmental Improvement Project.
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2. The project will enhance the competitiveness of Pakse as a regional economic and
tourism center of the southern Lao PDR. It responds to the local government’s vision for Pakse to
become a green city and for the greater Pakse urban area to gain official city status in the future2
by improving citywide environmental improvements in solid waste management, flood protection
and drainage, and riverbank erosion protection along the Xedon River; supporting communitydriven
initiatives in urban environmental improvements; strengthening local capacity in urban
planning and services; and strengthening local capacity in project management and
implementation. 3 The project contributes to the Government of the Lao PDR’s long-term
urbanization strategy and Pakse Urban Development Strategy, 2011–2030.
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