VIENTIANE China took little active part beyond listening to stakeholders discuss basin development strategy during the recent Mekong forum in Vientiane.
A Chinese delegate said his country had nothing to do directly with the strategy because it was for Lower Mekong development. He said that what China could do is share its expertise in hydropower development. The massive Three Gorges dam, for instance, has provided China with many lessons in developing hydroelectricity.
"We can share this with [other Mekong countries]," said the delegate. "We share expertise with the MRC. We have also invited the MRC to visit out Lancang dams."
The delegate said China would do more to accommodate the lower Mekong countries, but declined to say whether or not China was interested in investing in hydropower development downstream. "At this stage, we are here to help you."
Zhou Shichun, with the secretariat of the Ecosystem Study Commission for International Rivers, said the Mekong strategy was very important for sustainable development in the region, as it has summarised views and concerns from different stakeholders.
"It creates a balance among different sectors. That is important," said Mr Zhao.
(Bankok Post, 23/8/2010)