1. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this document are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), its Board of Directors, or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this document, and accept no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation or reference to a particular territory or geographical area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

2. REG (47269-001): GMS Strengthening Urban Planning in Corridor Towns Development Projects Technical Assistance

3. Rationale Batch I countries request: need for assistance beyond the physical implementation of the loan-funded subprojects. Assistance is required in reviewing and updating of urban plans (to make these more strategic, relevant), and to better align the private sector with their urban agenda.

4. Scope of Technical Assistance Response through urban planning support and capacity development for dealing with private sector involvement in urban infrastructure. This TA will support towns in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam, covering towns of Batches I and II.

5. Coverage of R-CDTA Strengthening Urban Planning in the GMS Corridor Towns Development Project (2014-2017)

6. Objectives of the TA To support GMS countries in preparing strategic urban development plans to maximize their current and future potentials To create opportunities for a broad stakeholder-based planning process, and strengthen capacity for regional cooperation To strengthen regional cooperation through more sustainable and inclusive development of economic hubs and towns along the economic corridors. To strengthen the orientation towards green economy and green cities development, and climate change adaptation, and the regional dialogue on urban development strategies through the GMS urban development task force

7. Expected Impact Urban planning will incorporate strategic investment planning and urban stakeholder dialogue on a regular basis supporting local governments and the private sector to make investment decisions on an informed basis.

8. Anticipated Outcome Participating towns will have achieved consensus about their strategic plans including regular stakeholder dialogues with the private sector, ODA partners, and civil society. Corridor towns see an increase in development efforts and boost economic potentials and activities which will enhance regional cooperation and integration.

9. TA Outputs Strategic urban development plans and investment programs prepared and consulted Guidance and awareness on the different forms and requirements of private sector participation provided, and Assistance to GMS Urban Development Task Force provided. Strategic Local Economic Development Plans prepared during TA 7644-REG for preparing the (first) GMS Corridor Towns Development Projects

10. TA Components and Key Activities Urban planning laboratories  convert existing urban plans and investment programs into strategic plans Promoting private sector participation  guidance and awareness building on the different forms and requirements of private sector participation GMS Urban Development Task Force  preparation and implementation of events of the GMS Urban Development Task Force

11. Implementation Arrangements TA will be implemented by ADB’s Urban Development and Water Division, Southeast Asia Department Executing agencies: Cambodia: Ministry of Public Works and Transport; Lao PDR: Ministry of Public Works and Transport; and Viet Nam: Provincial People’s Committees of the participating provinces (Quang Tri province and Tay Ninh province) or other provinces under the second GMS corridor towns development project.