Vietnam advocates for enhanced Mekong-Lancang collaboration during the upcoming "golden decade"
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn recently proposed a three-pronged strategy for the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) during the 10th MLC Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Yunnan, China. This strategy aims to strengthen the cooperation framework and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future in the Mekong-Lancang region.
Strengthening Comprehensive Connectivity
The first prong of the strategy is to strengthen comprehensive connectivity in transport, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. This includes accelerating key infrastructure projects, such as the construction of smart customs and border gates, and swiftly concluding the ASEAN–China Free Trade Agreement 3.0. The opening of the Chinese market to Mekong agricultural products is also key. Member countries should enhance dialogue, deepen political trust, raise public awareness of the MLC, and encourage youth participation. The implementation of the 2023-2027 MLC Action Plan has helped expand railway connectivity among member states.
Leading in Applying Science, Technology, and Innovation
The second prong of the strategy is for the group to take the lead in applying science, technology, and innovation to promote rapid and sustainable growth in the sub-region. The MLC Special Fund should provide scholarships and internship programs at top Chinese universities and high-tech companies for students and young entrepreneurs from Mekong countries. Additionally, the fund should support the establishment of high-tech laboratories and increase private-sector engagement in innovation. The MLC Innovation Corridor has been developed through the MLC's efforts.
Promoting Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection
The third prong of the strategy is to promote sustainable development and environmental protection to ensure balanced growth and ecological preservation in the Mekong-Lancang region. The MLC water resources enhancement cooperation initiative should be implemented, and the MLC Special Fund should be used to improve the capacity of Mekong-Lancang officials through secondment programs at the cooperation centre. Cooperation on disaster response has been a part of the MLC's activities. The MLC Water Resources Cooperation Centre and the Mekong River Commission's cooperation should be strengthened. The MLC should remain committed to sustainable development, with a focus on equitable water resource management.
The MLC Special Fund has funded nearly 1,000 projects that have transformed localities in member countries. The proposed strategy, if implemented effectively, could elevate the cooperation framework towards a prosperous future for the people in the Mekong-Lancang region. The ministers agreed to prepare for the upgrade of cooperation to MLC 2.0 in the next decade.
- The Deputy Prime Minister suggests accelerating the construction of smart customs and border gates to strengthen trade connections within the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) region.
- The MLC Special Fund is being used to offer scholarships and internship programs at Chinese universities and high-tech companies to encourage scientific and technological innovation among Mekong countries.
- The MLC is focusing on promoting sustainable development and environmental protection, with a plan to enhance the capacity of Mekong-Lancang officials and strengthen cooperation between the MLC Water Resources Cooperation Centre and the Mekong River Commission.
- The MLC's proposed strategy aims to elevate the cooperation framework, potentially leading to a prosperous future for the people in the Mekong-Lancang region, and the ministers have agreed to prepare for the upgrade of cooperation to MLC 2.0 in the next decade.
- The MLC's activities have included cooperation on disaster response, and the implementation of the MLC water resources enhancement cooperation initiative aims to ensure balanced growth and ecological preservation in the region.
