Kunming-Haiphong Transport Corridor-Noi Bai-Lao Cai Highway Technical Assistance Project

The use of a technical assistance (TA) loan for project preparation rather than including project preparation in the investment loans is fully justified because (i) it enabled project costs, revenues, and social and environmental impacts to be more accurately assessed before preparation and signing of the investment loan; and (ii) it reduced the borrower's commitment charges caused by implementation delays of 20 months.