Kathmandu, December 18:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing $21.2 million for the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal by enhancing the availability of affordable broadband internet connections, skilled manpower and local content and internet applications in line with efforts to promote inclusive growth and reduce poverty.

The South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Information Highway Project is estimated to cost $24 million. ADB will provide a $4.7 million grant to Bhutan, another $9 million grant to Nepal and a $3.1 million loan to Bangladesh for the project.