Vienna, Sept 9 (NNN-WAM) Eleven developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America are to benefit from fresh financing extended by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

The loans, totaling 97.9 million USD, will support projects with a wide variety of development aims, ranging from the construction of hospitals and upgrading of key transport corridors, to the improvement of water supply and sanitation systems and the enhancement of rural infrastructure.

In addition, debt relief is being provided under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, according to an OFID press release issued here Friday.

Support to private enterprise development is also included in this latest round of financing, which breaks down as follows: The beneficiaries are Cuba, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Pakistan, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Viet Nam and Nicaragua.

The projects are all expected to begin implementation shortly and will bring a host of benefits to communities in the participating countries.

To date, the OFID has provided more than 8.0 billion USD in much needed concessional development financing to 120 developing countries worldwide, thereby raising hopes and living standards among thousands of needy communities.