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.The Prime Ministers from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand affirmed strong commitment of the Mekong River Commission members to continuing cooperation and promoting sustainable development, using, protecting and managing Mekong River waters and other resources in the river’s lower basin.
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Vietnamese PM Nguyen Tan Dung remarked that strengthening and raising the efficiency of bilateral and multilateral cooperation systems in and outside of the region is one of the four priorities for quick and sustainable development in GMS. He stressed the need to protect natural resources, particularly water resources in the Mekong basin, and eco-environmental approaches.
Apart from taking advantage of capital and assistance from international organisations as well as developed partners in East Asia and the world, sub-regional countries also need to create a favourable legal corridor and offer financial incentives to accelerate cooperative projects under the public-private partnership format, especially for development of infrastructure, transport, urban areas, investment and trade, Dung stated.
The countries also need to join hands in prioritizing each country’s economic development strategy for hard and soft infrastructure development, transport, human resource development, services, telecommunications, and new and renewable energy sources, Dung added.
Klaus Schwab, Chair of the World Economic Forum (WEF), asked: “You have mentioned differences of political systems among GMS countries. Doesn’t it hinder real cooperation among countries in the region?” to which Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva responded that even with the differences, cooperation can take place and is taking place under the framework of ASEAN’s new charter.
“ASEAN is now in the process of integration to make a common market. We are all members of ASEAN, part of the broader region of Asia-Pacific. With abundant natural resources, labour and effective efforts to ensure food security and social welfare, we have attracted interest from big economies like China, Japan, especially in the current context of global economic slowdown,” he explained.
Lao PM Bouasone Bouphavanh confirmed that “GMS countries have established close relations while still maintaining their sovereignty and independence.”
“We have a close attachment with each other through the river. Let’s care about each other before starting a new activity,” commented Cambodian PM Hun Sen. “Doubts and criticisms can’t help solve common matters. Cooperation, mutual trust and protecting the common environment will help harmonious development and the improvement of living standards for GMS residents,” he added.
The Mekong sub-region is an important area in Southeast Asia, a potential destination for investors with opportunities in agricultural, aquatic and forestry production, hydro-power and mining. The region is emerging as an attractive centre for developed partners, including major economies in East Asia like Japan and other important partners like the US and Europe.
Myanmar PM Thein Sein acknowledged that they do not a lot of natural resources that cannot be regenerated to develop their economy. “We are striving to protect our natural resources. We promote services because this sector doesn’t harm natural resources much,” he observed. Myanmar called for GMS countries to develop their economy while protecting natural resources, especially water resources to ensure sustainable development.
“The Mekong River is an not a natural resource that can be regenerated, so we must use it systematically so that the river is managed and developed most effectively. To achieve that goal, development cooperation must be harmonized,” he concluded.
Truc Quan-Anh Vu