Designed to jointly promote inclusive growth and digital economic development, the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) continue as a positive catalyst in advancing sub-regional integration and building the ASEAN community aimed at sharing prosperity with all member countries, said Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) on the ‘8th Anniversary of MLC and MLC Week 2024’ (March 18-24).
In a congratulatory message on Tuesday, Sophea wrote, “Despite growing geopolitical uncertainty, volatility and complexity, the MLC framework remains on its practical path and will continue as a positive catalyst with other mechanisms.”
The mechanisms complement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as well as China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative, the message added.
These are designed to further promote inclusive growth and digital economic development which will advance sub-regional integration and ASEAN community building.
The message added, “The MLC Special Fund remains a crucial financing instrument for new projects in the fields of rural development, poverty alleviation, water resources, agriculture, air transport, health, education, tourism, culture and women’s empowerment – thanks to the Chinese government and their people for continuous support and active engagement in advancing the MLC framework.
The launch of MLC in Senya in 2016 reflected the common aspirations of the six leaders to promote peace, stability and mutual development aiming to build a community with a shared future of prosperity for people and beyond.
Over eight years, the MLC mechanism has reached new heights, becoming an effective model of win-win cooperation and offering consistent and significant progress while enhancing cooperation as well as promoting the region’s long-term growth and sustainable development, especially through the ‘Five-Year Plan of Action 2018-2022’, which yielding fruitful benefits for the well-being of the peoples.
At the Fourth MLC Leaders’ Meeting in December last year, the head of government adopted the ‘Nay Pyi Taw Declaration’, agreeing to advance the ‘Lancang-Mekong Economic Development Belt’ as they need to seize opportunities in the field of science, technology, and industry.
Leaders of member countries adopted a new ‘Five-Year Plan of Action 2023-2027’ which includes exploring new models of tourism cooperation hence Cambodia is launching a Mekong-Lancang Youth Tourism Ambassador web portal to recognise the ability of young people to easily adapt to technology and digital transformation.
According to MFAIC, the Mekong Cooperation is renowned as a sub-regional cooperation that consists of the countries along the Mekong River, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The participating countries and partners include China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, US, EU and the Asian Development Bank.
The framework is to ensure sustainable development and utilization of water resources, contribute to economic and social development, enhance the well-being of the people, narrow the development gap among regional countries, support ASEAN community building and address challenges in the Mekong region.
Source:Khmer Times
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<p>Time: 2024 By: Ministry of Industry and Trade</p>
