Vietnam promotes cooperation in Mekong Sub-region

Vietnam will propose measures to step up economic integration and cooperation in the Mekong Sub-region, geared towards sustainable development in the area, during several upcoming summits hosted by the country, said Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy.

The official spoke with the press ahead of the 7th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy Summit (ACMECS7), the 8th Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Vietnam Summit (CLMV8) and World Economic Forum on Mekong (WEF-Mekong) to take place in Hanoi from October 24-26.

They represent Vietnam’s biggest multilateral external activities in 2016, aiming to boost cooperation between Mekong countries, consolidate relations between regional countries and carry forward cooperation mechanisms in a tangible manner, according to the Deputy FM.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy

Hosting such summits demonstrates Vietnam’s responsibility for cooperation mechanisms in the Mekong Sub-region and ASEAN as well as other regional and international mechanisms the country has joined, he said.

Successfully holding the events is significant to Vietnam’s politics, security, economy and culture, Quy said, adding that Vietnam will utilise these opportunities to promote the local land and people.

He stated that Vietnam has suggested the CLMV8 focus on seizing opportunities and shaping the future. The ACMECS7 will take the theme of “Towards a dynamic and prosperous Mekong Sub-region,” while leaders are due to share their vision on the Mekong Sub-region during the WEF-Mekong.

Through the initiatives, including the invitation of the World Economic Forum to engage in the event, Vietnam expects to connect businesses with regional leaders and policy makers.

As two of the 12 cooperation mechanisms in the Mekong Sub-region, the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong economic cooperation and Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam collaboration are important to intra-region strength. They are also significant to building trust, raising ASEAN’s attractiveness in the eyes of external partners and coping with non-traditional challenges.

Vietnam has made all-out efforts to support the mechanisms, Quy noted.

With strength in economic models and experience in development, reform and international integration, Vietnam has raised initiatives and contributed resources to infrastructure connectivity among the four countries as well as human resources development and the sustainable exploitation of natural resources in each nation.

At the same time, Vietnam has strived to achieve goals set in the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong economic cooperation strategy to tap potential, promote sustainable development and raise the attractiveness of ASEAN, he said.