 | |
GMS Sector Activities
Multisector
Multisector Archive
View other GMS sectors
 Top
The Task Force for the Second Economic Corridors Forum (ECF-2) was held to discuss and agree on the program and activities of the GMS Economic Corridors (EC) Fair, which will be held in Kunming, PRC in June 2009, and the ECF-2 meeting which will be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 16-17 September 2009. The EC Fair, with the theme "Increasing Trade Flows Through GMS Economic Corridor Logistics Development" will have among its components the GMS Logistics Cooperation High Level Symposium, Symposium of GMS Chambers of Commerce and Promotion of GMS Cross-Border Economic Zones. Meanwhile, the Special Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) was held to discuss and agree on the program and activities of the 15th GMS Ministerial Conference and review the progress of key deliverables for the MC. The meeting agreed on the format and topics for the Ministerial Retreat, which aims to give the Ministers an opportunity to focus on significant GMS issues in a less formal, interactive way. The Special SOM also discussed and agreed on the outline of the Joint Ministerial Statement for the 15th GMS Ministerial Conference.
For more information, view the following:
Summary of proceedings, List of Participants, Progam and Agenda
Concept Paper and Program for the GMS Logistics Cooperation High Level Symposium
Revised Agenda of the 2nd Economic Corridors Forum
Revised Agenda and Program of the 15th GMS Ministerial Conference
Revised List of Topics for the Ministerial Retreat
Revised Outline of the Joint Ministerial Statement
Top
GMS senior officials met in Chiang Rai on 28 September 2007 to discuss and review the new GMS Plan of Action (POA) 2008-2012, which was called for by the 14th Ministerial Meeting in Manila on 21 June 2007. The SOM agreed that a brief, strategic POA should be developed for consideration by the Third GMS Leaders’ Summit in Vientiane in March 2008.
The SOM discussed ADB’s proposed indicative three-year rolling program of investments and nonlending products and services to the GMS Program (2008-2010). This includes new priority GMS initiatives, such as the Mekong Water Supply and Sanitation Project, which aims to enhance economic and social conditions in communities along GMS economic corridors. The SOM reached key agreements to address issues associated with the timely completion of deliverables for the Third GMS Summit.
Please view entire SOM proceedings.
Top
The Third Meeting of the Task Force for the Third GMS Summit was held in Chiang Rai, Thailand on 27 September 2007. Delegates from the six GMS countries, ADB staff, and representatives from the GMS Business Forum attended. The Task Force discussed the progress of preparations for the Third GMS Summit, including the program of events and closed Summit agenda. The Task Force also reviewed the progress of preparations of the Summit’s component events, including the GMS Youth Forum, the GMS Business and Investment Dialogue, and various ceremonies such as the opening ceremony for Route 3 in Lao PDR (part of the North-South Economic Corridor). A draft Joint Summit Declaration to be issued and signed by the GMS Leaders at the conclusion of the Third Summit was reviewed by the Task Force.
Please view entire TF3-3 proceedings.
Top
The Conference reviewed the implementation of the GMS Plan of Action adopted by the GMS Ministers at their 13th Conference held in Vientiane, Lao PDR in December 2004, and the recent key achievements of the GMS Program in terms of the 3 Cs of enhancing connectivity, improving competitiveness and building community in the GMS. The GMS Ministers endorsed the Midterm Review of the 10-Year GMS Strategic Framework, which they found timely and relevant for setting directions for moving forward in the next five years. GMS Ministers were pleased to learn of the progress of preparations for the Third GMS Summit, which they considered important for setting directions for even broader and deeper cooperation in the future. On the basis of the achievements in the GMS Plan of Action and the Midterm Review of the GMS Strategy, the Ministers requested the sector working groups to formulate a new Plan of Action for the remaining period of implementation of the GMS Strategy (2008-2012).
The GMS Ministers were informed of the results of the Development Partners’ Meeting held in conjunction with the Conference. Development partners were apprised of the progress made as well as the prospective actions in each of the sectors and thematic areas of GMS cooperation. Development partners have considerably broadened their participation in the GMS Program, and have agreed to further enhance resource mobilization and development coordination mechanisms for the GMS Program.
The Conference also celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the GMS Program, and five GMS pioneers who played key roles in the GMS Program’s formative years participated in it. Immediately after the Conference, the GMS Ministers from PRC, Lao PDR, and Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the GMS North-South Economic Corridor International Bridge, which formalizes the implementation arrangements for the project.
For more information, view the following:
Board Information Paper
Program and Agenda of the Conference
Joint Ministerial Statement
Report of the Chair of the Senior Officials Meeting
Report of the Chair of the Development Partners’ Meeting
Top
The TF3-2 discussed the component events of the Third GMS Summit, namely, the Business and Investment Dialogue and the GMS Youth Forum. The TF3-2 agreed that the Summit would be held in Vientiane in late March 2008. It also discussed possible Summit deliverables, which are expected to form part of the Joint Summit Declaration. The agreed theme of the Summit is "Enhanced Competitiveness through Greater Connectivity."
The SOM reviewed the Draft Final Report of the Midterm Review of the 10-Year GMS Strategic Framework (2002-2012). The SOM also reviewed the progress of implementation of the GMS Plan of Action, and preparations for the 14th GMS Ministerial Conference scheduled to be held in ADB Headquarters, Manila on 19-21 June 2007. Southeast Asia Department DDG K. Nakamori co-chaired the SOM with Cambodian GMS National Coordinator, H.E. Sok Chenda Sophea.
Please view entire TF3-2 and SOM proceedings.
Top
The Task Force for the Third GMS Summit (TF3), which is charged with the preparations for this major subregional event, held its first meeting in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 9 November 2006 back-to-back with the GMS Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held the following day.
The GMS Summit, which is held every three years, is the highest forum in the GMS Program and serves as the venue where the GMS leaders review and assess the progress under the Program and map out its future directions. The next Summit will be held in Vientiane, Lao PDR in late March or early April 2008.
After discussing several alternatives, the TF3 meeting came up with its initial proposal for the Third Summit theme, namely, “GMS: Enhanced Competitiveness through Greater Connectivity,” which builds on and reflects the logical progression from the themes of the first two Summits. The Task Force also agreed to propose that the Summit be accompanied by a business/investment conference, which will be spearheaded and organized by the GMS Business Forum, including a possible dialogue between the GMS Leaders and the business community as well as an exhibition; and a “Youth Forum” or dialogue with youth representatives from the GMS countries.
The SOM, on the other hand, reviewed the progress of the GMS Plan of Action under the 14th Ministerial Conference in 2004 and the Second GMS Summit in 2005, particularly developments since the SOM held in Manila in April 2006, and also discussed the initial results of the ongoing midterm review of the GMS 10-Year Strategic Framework (GMS-SF). The GMS country delegations noted the substantial progress that has been made in the various priority areas of cooperation under the Program. However, they also emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of various priority initiatives, such as the GMS Cross Border Transport Agreement, key sections of the GMS transport-economic corridors, the GMS Energy Sector Strategy Study, the Core Environment Program and the Biodiversity Conservation Corridor Initiative, and the Strategic Framework for Action on Trade and Investment.
With regard to the midterm review of the GMS-SF, the SOM noted that significant changes that have important implications on the GMS Program have been taking place in the regional and global environment since the framework was first adopted by the GMS Leaders in their First Summit in 2002. There is therefore a need to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in meeting the challenges and issues facing the GMS countries in the next five years. The GMS country delegations offered suggestions on key directions for the review. In general, they emphasized the need to translate strategies into action and practical and results-oriented programs and projects. The final report of the review is expected to be ready for discussion at the next TF3-cum-SOM meeting, slated for April 2007 in Seam Reap, Cambodia.
Please view entire TF3-1 and SOM proceedings.
Top
A GMS Senior Officials’ Meeting was held in April 2006 at the ADB Headquarters to review the progress of the GMS Ministerial Plan of Action since the 2nd GMS Summit in Kunming in July 2005. Significant progress was noted in all nine sectors of GMS cooperation, particularly in advancing the Cross Border Transport Agreement, establishing the economic corridors, promoting power trade, implementing the Core Environment Program, strengthening agriculture and HRD cooperation, and promoting tourism, trade and investments. The Meeting agreed on the need for a “brainstorming” meeting involving GMS officials and other stakeholders in order to prepare for the 3rd GMS Summit to be held in Lao PDR in 2008.
For more details, please view entire proceedings.
Top
The Second Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit was held during 4-5 July 2005 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Summit was attended by Prime Minister Web Jiabao of PRC who chaired the Summit, Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, Prime Minister Boun-Nhang Vorachit of Lao PDR, Prime Minister Soe Win of Myanmar, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand and Prime Minister Phan Van Khai of Viet Nam.
Report of the ADB President
ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda joined the GMS Leaders and reported on the achievements of the GMS Program since the first GMS Summit held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2002, which included:
- infrastructure development to generate jobs, attract investments and reduce poverty
- advances in transport and trade facilitation for improved business competitiveness; and
- pursuit of social and environmental initiatives such as in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, training under the Phnom Penh Plan, and conserving biodiversity.
He cited the four major challenges for the GMS, which are:
- poverty reduction and attainment of the MDGs
- human resources development
- environmentally-sound development; and
- resource mobilization.
Opening Ceremony/ Keynote Address of PRC Prime Minister
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao’s keynote address emphasized the remaining challenges to achieve comprehensive economic and social development in the GMS. He encouraged new avenues for development finance from various channels and reaffirmed PRC’s support to regional cooperation.
Closed Summit Session
At the Closed Summit Meeting, the Leaders reaffirmed the relevance of the GMS guiding principles for the past 13 years, and expressed appreciation for ADB’s important role and continuing support for the Program. They also expressed their desire to see ADB playing a larger role in the GMS through higher levels of resource and knowledge transfers. The Summit discussions, as summed up by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, include: the GMS Leaders’ pledge to strengthen cooperation; acceleration of priority projects (power trade operating agreement, information superhighway, cross-border transport agreement); establishing enabling environment for private sector development; improving quality of HRD; enhanced cooperation in health, agriculture and tourism, and pursuit of sustainable development.
The Kunming Declaration, issued at the conclusion of the Summit, embodied the Leaders’ strong commitment to carry forward the GMS vision of growth, equity and prosperity by redoubling efforts in four key areas:
- reinforcing infrastructure development
- improving trade and investment environment
- strengthening social and environmental infrastructure; and
- mobilizing resources and deepening partnerships.
Please see Kunming Declaration .
Side Events
A Forum for Business Participation in GMS Cooperation (the Business Forum), a GMS Achievements Exhibition, and a GMS Telecoms Exhibition were held in conjunction with the Summit. The GMS Leaders and the ADB President held a dialogue with the business community following the Business Forum. Seven Agreements were signed during the Summit, four of which were related to the Cross-Border Transport Agreement and three MOUs concerning the power trade operating agreement, the information superhighway and prevention and control of animal epidemics. See links below:
For the entire proceedings, email: gms@adb.org
Top
For the entire proceedings, email: gms@adb.org
Top
GMS Ministers concluded their 12th meeting on Friday, 19 September 2003, with a commitment to further opening of borders, quicker project implementation, greater participation of development partners, and more private sector investment. Read the the joint ministerial statement .
In his speech, ADB Vice President for Operations Group 1, Liqun Jin, stressed the need for improved connectivity and enhanced competitiveness. GMS ministers requested ADB to continue its leading role in the GMS program. Myanmar signed the Cross-Border Transport Agreement and thus became the sixth and final member.
Top
A conference entitled, "Economic Cooperation and Opportunities in the
Greater Mekong Subregion Infrastructure and Private Sector Development"
was held in Washington, DC on 26 June 2003. It was co-sponsored by the ADB and
Foreign Policy magazine. Participants included representatives from the US government,
academe, research institutions and international development institutions. ADB's
Vice President Myoung-Ho Shin and Mekong Department Director General Rajat M.
Nag were among the resource speakers. GMS's strategic importance in the economic
geography of Asia was a dominant theme at the Conference.
For the entire proceedings, email: gms@adb.org
Top
Mr. Khalid Rahman, Director, Infrastructure Division, Mekong Department, ADB was the keynote speaker in the session on Infrastructure of the Conference on "Business Opportunities: Mekong Region Comes of Age" held in Bangkok, Thailand on 12 June 2003. The Conference was co-organized by The Nation, Thailand's leading English-language daily, together with CNBC and the Asia News Network, an alliance of 14 leading English-language newspapers in Asia. Read Mr. Rahman's keynote speech.
Top
Mr. Rajat Nag, Director General, Mekong Department, ADB, was the guest speaker at the launch by American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore*) of the GMS Sub-Committee on 4 June 2003. The GMS Sub-Committee of AmCham Singapore was established to raise awareness of investment opportunities in the GMS. The launch was attended by about 50 chief executive officers and senior managers of American business firms and organizations based in Singapore.
In his presentation, Mr. Nag gave an overview of GMS economic performance, explained the GMS Program of Economic Cooperation, and highlighted opportunities for private sector participation in it. While in Singapore, Mr. Nag also appeared on CNBC TV and met the AFP and Kyodo news agencies. Read his speech.
Top
The Workshop on the Development of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) was held in Da Nang, Viet Nam on 16-17 December 2002. The Workshop was jointly organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Workshop participants included delegations from the EWEC countries, namely, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, and the Workshop co-organizers. Representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and private sector groups from the EWEC provinces also attended the Workshop as observers.
The Workshop served as a forum for discussion among representatives of the public and private sectors in the EWEC countries, donors, and academic institutions on EWEC development. The main theme of the Workshop was on the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of the EWEC. The ADB-assisted Preinvestment Study for the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS): East-West Economic Corridor was presented at the Workshop.
The Preinvestment Study, which was endorsed by the 10th GMS Ministerial Conference in November 2001 in Yangon, provides the framework for cooperation on an East-West Economic corridor land route spanning almost 1,500 kilometers from Mawlamyine and Myawaddy in Myanmar; Tak, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, and Mukdahan in Thailand; Savannakhet in Lao PDR; to Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and Da Nang in Viet Nam. It analyzed five major sectors (i.e., agro-industry, infrastructure, industrial estates, trade and investment, and tourism), and identified over 70 key projects, policies and initiatives that are needed to develop the Corridor.
Key findings of the Workshop include:
- The development of the EWEC will help reduce poverty in the EWEC countries. It will result in increased flows of trade and investment, development of secondary cities, regional development of remote border areas, and more efficient use of economic space including improved access of inner parts of countries to sea ports.
- The timely completion of the transport infrastructure in the EWEC is an important prerequisite to EWEC development. Governments and donor agencies concerned were urged to help expedite implementation.
- Private sector involvement, such as through the GMS Business Forum, in EWEC development was strongly encouraged. The public sector in the GMS was enjoined to create a favorable environment for private sector participation.
- Facilitation in the cross-border transport of goods and people is integral to economic corridor development. The finalization of the GMS Cross-border Agreement will help transform the East-West Transport Corridor into a full-fledged economic corridor.
- Institutional arrangements among the EWEC countries are needed to sustain EWEC development over the long term. EWEC initiatives should be incorporated in national and provincial development plans of the four Governments concerned.
The EWEC is being constructed with the assistance of many bilateral and multilateral development organizations. Key projects along the EWEC are:
- construction of the Second Mekong International Bridge
- rehabilitation of Route 9 in the Lao PDR and Viet Nam
- construction of the Hai Van tunnel
- construction of the road cum rail bridge across the Thanlwin River.
All-weather motor travel along the entire route will be possible by 2006 (see map).
The results of the Workshop were discussed at the Senior Officials' Meeting, which was held subsequently held on 18 December 2002 also in Da Nang.
For further information, kindly refer to the:
- Preinvestment Study (to order, email adbpub@adb.org)
- Connecting Nations, Linking People publication
- ADB Review (November-December 2002 issue)
Top
The 11th Ministerial Conference, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from 23-25 September, 2002, marked the 10th anniversary of the Program of Economic Cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Ministers agreed that with a strong foundation now in place for economic cooperation, and with active development partners, progress will accelerate.
H.E. Mr. Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister and Co-Minister of the Interior, Royal Government of Cambodia, inaugurated the Conference by welcoming the participants. Mr. Myoung-Ho Shin, Vice President (Operations Group 1), Asian Development Bank (ADB), also made opening remarks, expressing appreciation for the fine arrangements and warm hospitality of the Royal Government, and ADB's commitment to supporting subregional economic cooperation.
The Conference was co-chaired by His Excellency Cham Prasidh, Minister of Commerce, Royal Government of Cambodia, ADB Vice President Shin. Three results were achieved:
- Provision of strategic guidance for the GMS Program;
- Strengthening participation by development partners; and
- Finalization of preparations for the upcoming GMS Summit of Leaders.
The other Ministers who participated in the Meeting were:
- H.E. Jin Liqun, Vice Minister of Finance of the People's Republic of China;
- H.E. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office of the Lao People's Democratic Republic;
- H.E. Brig. Gen. Lun Thi, Minister of Energy of Myanmar;
- H.E. Mr. Pitak Intrawityanunt, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand; and
- H.E. Vo Hong Phuc, Minister of Planning and Investment of Viet Nam
Top
GMS Senior Officials met in ADB Headquarters on 28 January 2002 to discuss preparation for the first-ever Mekong Summit of Leaders of the six GMS States. Mr. Rajat Nag, Director General of ADB's Mekong Department, opened the Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), and highlighted the Summit as a most fitting culminating event to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the ADB-supported GMS Economic Cooperation Program (GMS Program). Co-chaired by H.E. Sok Chenda, Secretary General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia and Ms. Yuejiao Zhang, Deputy Director General of ADB's Mekong Department, the SOM established a Task Force to coordinate the Summit preparations, and take charge of in-country coordination. The Senior Officials also agreed that ADB will serve as the Secretariat of the Task Force. The Summit is tentatively scheduled to be held on 3 November 2002 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The SOM stressed the importance of achieving concrete progress in various GMS Program initiatives prior to the GMS Summit, including the forging of a GMS-wide cross-border facilitation agreement, signing of the inter-governmental agreement on power trade, and finalization of financing and implementation arrangements for the North-South Corridor. The SOM also agreed that the Donors' Coordination will discuss improved coordination and resource mobilization, while the 11th Ministerial Conference will assess the substantive progress of key GMS Program initiatives. The SOM agreed to schedule these two events in September 2002.
The SOM also discussed the Summit format, drawing from the ASEAN and APEC experience, and recognizing the need for a special role for ADB as a major supporter of the GMS Program. The Senior Officials agreed to conduct further internal consultations on the Summit format.
|
|
Regions and Countries 
Back
