At thefunction, the heads of delegations from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar,Thailand and the host country reviewed the results of developmentcooperation within the framework of the Vientiane Action Programme (VPA)for the 2008-2012 period relating to the results of the second GMSeconomic corridor forum and the GMS business forum.
They will also discuss reports to the 16 th GMS MinisterialConference on the GMS railway link, the action plan for the second phaseof the key environment programme, technical support to promoterenewable energies and energy efficiency within GMS and the keyagricultural support programme for 2011-2015 period.
The initial draft of the new GMS long-term strategic framework,action programmes on facilitating trade and transportation within GMSand the action plan and strategy for the southern GMS economic corridorhave also tabled for discussion.
The GeneralDirector of the ADB’s Southeast Asia Department Kunio Senga, who isco-chair of the SOM, said he hoped GMS countries will work out measuresto enhance infrastructure, organise cross border trade, improve thebusiness environment and ensure social and environmental protectionthroughout the sub-region.
Since 1992, six GMScountries have been involved in a comprehensive economic cooperationprogramme in transport, energy, telecommunications, human resourcesdevelopment, the environment, natural resources management, tradefacilitation, private investment, tourism and agriculture withassistance from the ADB and other development partners.
The 16 th GMS Ministerial Conference themed “GMS in the next decade:New frontiers of cooperation” is scheduled to open in Hanoi onAugust 20./.