The Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) will invest more than VND160 trillion in socio-economic development programmes in the Central Highlands from now till 2010.

According to BIDV General Director Tran Bac Ha, the money will be mainly used to finance small- and medium-sized hydro-electric power projects and cash crop plantations and processing projects, support import-export activities and develop eco-tourism, infrastructure and other social programmes.  

In 2006-2007 alone, BIDV will invest VND3,700 billion in the five Central Highlands provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Kon Tum, Dak Nong and Lam Dong and nearby Binh Phuoc province.

The bank has funded a number of hydro-electric power projects such as Buon Koup, Plei Krong and Dak Chuong power plants in these provinces.