Summits to promote Mekong sub-region economic links

Hanoi (VNA) – A string of summits which aim to further links among Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries will take place in Hanoi from October 24-26.

Speaking at a press conference in Hanoi on October 19 to announce the events, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy said the 8th Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Vietnam Summit (CLMV 8) will focus on opportunities and challenges for the economic development of the four countries and measures to boost their cooperation in improving competitiveness and promoting regional integration.

The 7th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Summit (ACMECS 7) will discuss how to step up cooperation among ACMECS member countries for sustainable development and narrow development gap in the Mekong sub-region.

At the same time, the World Economic Forum on Mekong (WEF-Mekong) will convene three sessions, debating ways to mobilise financial resources for infrastructure development, expanding new industrialisation models, and removing trade barriers.

Vietnam has been active in joining the cooperation mechanisms, especially in supporting Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar in education, training, and human resources development, Quy said, adding that the country also devised many initiatives to enhance collaboration within CLMV and ACMECS .

The Deputy Minister said the events also aim to promote the establishment of economic corridors in the Mekong sub-region, including the North-South and East-West economic corridors and another in the south.

They will see the attendance of leaders of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, as well as representatives from international organisations, WEF’s member businesses and major enterprises in countries sharing the Mekong River, and scholars.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will chair ACMECS 7 and CLMV 8.

The organisation board will operate a press centre in the National Convention Centre from October 23-16 to enable domestic and foreign reporters to cover the meetings, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh.-VNA