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Mekong Development Forum, 2004
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After a decade of stability during which reconstruction and consolidation have been at the heart of GMS development, we have a resurgent Mekong where the mood is dominantly optimistic. A sense of community and connectivity within the GMS has been fostered through the emergence of a more integrated regional market, the strengthening of both national and regional institutions, improvements in infrastructure, spatial advantages, and a shared history, culture and experience. A significant socioeconomic transformation has occurred.
The optimism, however, is guarded. The gains of the past decade are fragile in many ways, and poverty throughout the subregion is still widespread. Development in the GMS needs to be sustained and deepened with emphasis on policy reforms, good governance, resource mobilization, and the creation of an enabling environment that will make for speedy and effective integration with the global economy. These areas of emphasis are both ambitious and complex. They need to intensify and create value that sustains the resurgence.
Partnerships need to be expanded. And new forms of partnership developed, with GMS at the helm, to forge a new consensus with support from the stakeholders of the GMS program. The collective efforts of the GMS governments, the international community, NGOs, academe, media and the private sector are required to drive the GMS development agenda. The rising European awareness of the GMS program, and its considerable interest in it, needs to be harnessed purposefully to help meet the program's objectives.
The Forum's objectives are threefold as follows:
About 65 participants are expected. These will comprise:
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Opening Remarks1 : A Resurgent Mekong: Integrating the GMS. The keynote address will provide the context of Mekong's resurgence given its challenges and accomplishments in the last decade. The need for GMS integration based on the successful emergence of a more integrated subregional market will be emphasized. The address will provide the macro framework within which the Forum's thematic subjects will be discussed.
The GMS: Opportunities and Challenges2 : This will be an introductory session to present an overview of the state of development of the GMS. The success factors, key challenges, and lessons learned in implementing the GMS Economic Cooperation Program will be discussed. Opportunities and challenges related to a higher degree of integration in the GMS will be presented.
Connecting the GMS: The Vital Role of Infrastructure3: This session will present the essential role that infrastructure plays in effecting integration in the GMS. It will feature prospects and issues related to transportation networks, energy demand and trade, telecommunications sector needs, tourism, and project financing in the GMS. Also for discussion will be economic corridor concepts, their role, and potential for enhancement. The role of the private sector in accelerated infrastructure development will be analyzed.
Trade and Investment: Competing in the World's Marketplace4: This session will present an overview of current trade and development paradigms in the GMS. The growth of intra- and inter-regional trade will be analyzed in the context of investments in infrastructure and expanding cooperation. The impact of globalization and the prospects of the GMS taking advantage of it (as also dealing with the risks) at a subregional level will be discussed. Policy and regulatory issues that the GMS countries need to address quickly will be debated.
Managing the Environment: Not Missing the Wood for the Trees5: Four key subjects will be debated in the context of the GMS strategic environmental framework - environment and poverty; subregional natural resources management; financial and human resource constraints; and engaging with emerging issues such as CDM and carbon trading. Case studies on river resources management; community-based resource management; and forest management will be featured and lessons drawn for adaptation to subregional policy and institutional planning.
Building Capacity: Enhancing Skills and Learning6: Building capacity in the GMS is a daunting task. Discussants will dwell on the key issues involved in building human and social capital for enhanced GMS development; the resource requirements; the policy setting; and the need for leadership and critical thinking. The roles of IFIs, academe, and the private sector in building capacity, and how these can be translated into programs in a sustainable way, will be discussed and a framework for further action outlined. The Phnom Penh Plan will be particularly featured.
Strengthening Cooperation: Expanding Partnerships2: This session will address key issues relating to enhanced European participation in the GMS program. Modalities of engagement to support the program intellectually and financially will be discussed in the context of both the public and private sector. The updated GMS development matrix will be presented and its main features highlighted. The role of civil society and academe in expanding partnerships will be analyzed and recommendations made for a substantive engagement.
Wrap Up: The Forum will be wrapped up by ADB Vice President, Liqun Jin. He will synthesize the discussions and key conclusions and indicate a forward direction.
Closing Remarks8: These remarks will highlight Europe's interest in the GMS program. They will center around the ways in which an expanded European partnership can support the GMS development agenda, and how such expansion should be transitioned over the next 2-3 years. Possibly, the need for a follow-up Forum to build on the June 2004 effort will be recommended.
Jacques M. Ferreira
Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist
Mekong Department
Tel: +63 2 632 6207
Email: jferreira@adb.org
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