The construction of the 337m-long Coc Pai bridge, worth nearly 160 billion VND (US$7.2 million) was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), under the second phase of a programme to improve the network of national roads. Addressing the event, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Ha Thi Minh Hanh said the Coc Pai bridge helps improve traffic connection between Xin Man district and adjacent areas, as well as between Ha Giang and Lao Cai province. It is expected to contribute to socio-economic development of Xin Man district and relevant localities, particularly in agriculture and tourism, Hanh said. Xin Man is one of the province’s six poorest districts. It has a population of 58,000, with ethnic minority people accounting for over 80%.