Six Mekong River-sharing countries will kick off a new cooperation mechanism at a ministerial meeting in November to cope with a wide range of issues for regional development.
A forum of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (Source: VNA)
Six Mekong River-sharing countries will kick off a new cooperation mechanism at a ministerial meeting in November to cope with a wide range of issues for regional development, a senior Chinese official was quoted by The Nation as saying.
Zhang Jiuhuan, Vice Chairman of the China Public Diplomacy Association, and ex-Ambassador to Thailand said the Foreign Ministers from Thailand, Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam will gather on November 12 in China’s Yunnan province to jumpstart the Mekong-Lancang cooperation mechanism.
The six Mekong states already have a number of cooperation mechanisms, including the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) - for infrastructure development – the Mekong River Commission (MRC) - for water utilisation management and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) - for five countries but which excludes China.
These mechanisms cover only specific issues and areas of cooperation, Zhang said, stressing the need to have a new cooperation mechanism which will cover all aspects of political security, economics and social affairs.
Zhang, who is a former Chinese ambassador to Thailand, was in Thailand in early October to promote the new mechanism.
The idea of having such a mechanism was initiated by Thailand a few years ago and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang explored possibilities to have it during an informal meeting with his counterparts from the Mekong countries on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Myanmar in 2014.
The Mekong River and the Lancang River run through China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.-VNA
The Mekong River cooperation has seen many favourable factors in the 2011-2012 period, according to a conference held by the Vietnam National Mekong Committee (VNMC) in Ho Chi Minh City on April 27.
The second Summit of the Mekong River Commission (MRC), scheduled for April 5 in Ho Chi Minh City, will help enhance relations among member countries as well as draw attention and support from partners and the international community.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung delivered a speech at the plenary session of the 2 nd Mekong River Commission Summit in Ho Chi Minh City on April 5, stressing the importance of water, energy and food security in the context of climate change for the Mekong River basin.
The second Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit was a success with the most important outcome being the approval of the Ho Chi Minh City Declaration, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
The drought in the Mekong Delta continues to severely affect farms and households in the region, causing water shortages for thousands of families in Long An, Dong Thap, An Giang and Can Tho.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
A forum of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (Source: VNA)
