Greater Mekong Subregion

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Third Meeting of the Working Group on Human Resource Development

Introduction

The Third Meeting of the Working Group on Human Resource development (WGHRD-3), was held in Kunming, People's Republic of China (PRC) on 15-16 November 2000. The Meeting was co-organized by the Ministry of Health, Disease Control Department of PRC, the Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Province, PRC, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The participants included delegations from Cambodia, the People's Republic of China (PRC), Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Representatives from the Mekong Institute, the Mekong River Commission (MRC), the United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Vision International, Australian Volunteers International (AVI), the Doi Tung Development Project and ADB also attended. The list of participants is attached as Appendix 1.

The Meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Chen Xianyi, Deputy Director-General of Disease Control Department, Ministry of Health, PRC, and Mr. Edward Haugh, Manager, Education and Health Division (West), ADB.

The Meeting was divided into six sessions as follows: Session I - Introduction and Opening Session; Session II - Prevention and Control of HIV/ AIDS in the GMS; Session III - Field Visit-Kunming Spring Buds School; Session IV - Study on the Health and Education Needs of Ethnic Minorities in GMS; Session V - Forthcoming Activities; and Session VI - Conclusion. The Agenda and Program of the Meeting is attached as Appendix 2.

Opening Session

His Excellency Mr. Niu Shaoyao, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, PRC, extended his cordial welcome to the participants. He noted the importance for GMS countries to establish a flexible and qualified cooperative system of HRD. As for PRC, the Government has developed a strategy for Development of Western China. Yunnan Government also set three strategic targets for Yunnan, as "strong province of green economy, of ethnic culture industry, and as passageway from China to Southeast Asia". To address the shortage of talent, the province has implemented positive HRD policies such as improving health care and education in ethnic areas, resuming studies for dropouts, improving women's education (especially ethnic), unified drug control, and HIV/AIDS prevention. Yunnan has set up the Labor Information Center that covers both employment and technical training. The WGHRD meeting is an occasion to explore new ways to advance cooperation, cognizant of the vast potential for HRD in the subregion.

Dr. Chen Xianyi, Deputy Director-General of Disease Control Department, Ministry of Health, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC). He thanked the ADB for organizing the WGHRD as the forum for discussion and exchange of ideas on the demand for health and education for ethnic minorities and prevention of HIV/AIDS. As China attaches great importance to health and education of ethnic groups, Government at all levels has set up special policies to improve health and education of ethnic groups. As for HIV/AIDS, the Mid and Long Term Plan of the Prevention and Control of AIDS in China requires regions and departments to put prevention methods into practice and ensure target completion. He ended by saying that with further cooperation, common health and education problems in the subregion could be solved soon.

Mr. Edward Haugh, Manager of AWEH, ADB, welcomed the participants to the Meeting and thanked the Government of PRC and Yunnan Province for their high level representation in H.E. Mr. Niu Shaoyao, Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, and Mr. Chen Xianyi, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health. He noted that the working group, which aims to promote HRD cooperation in GMS, has had two meetings and a number of TA projects that are ongoing or completed.

Objectives of the Meeting

Mr. Haugh explained that the objective of the meeting was (i) to provide a report of activities since the last meeting, (ii) exchange ideas on key human resource issues in GMS, (iii) learn from experiences of other funding agencies, and (iv) discuss the future agenda of the group. The focus of the meeting will be on preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS (day 1) and on health and education of ethnic minorities in the subregion (day 2), two closely interrelated issues. In the afternoon of day 1, a field trip to an ethnic minority school will be held, which should give valuable insights on effective methods of assistance to disadvantaged ethnic groups. The afternoon of day 2 will take up the assessment of the progress and proposed program for WGHRD.

Prevention of HIV/AIDS in the GMS

For the first session, Mr. Indu Bhushan, Senior Project Economist, AWEH, ADB, introduced the TA team that presented the HIV/AIDS study. Ms. Eileen Darby of World Vision International (WVI) and team leader, presented the objectives of the study. These include informing key policy makers and international organizations about migration and mobility patterns, develop toolkits for organizing HIV/AIDS prevention activities for certain vulnerable migrant groups, and prepare a regional strategy for HIV/AIDS. The scope of the TA includes conduct of studies, literature reviews, and surveys. The TA will be implemented in a participatory way involving international agencies, NGOs, and participating governments and communities.

World Vision (Australia) is undertaking management of the TA with the help of country support groups. A Steering Committee consisting of representatives from each of the six countries guides the implementation. Two meetings of the steering committee have been held. The methodology of the study involves active collaboration through teamwork and consultation and partnership with local, national, and regional stakeholders. Networking, participatory methods and gender analysis will also be utilized as part of the study. Major components include project establishment (including website), mobility and HIV/AIDS study, tool kits for HIV/ AIDS prevention, regional strategy, and TA management. Field-testing and dissemination activities planned under the TA, were presented.

A web page, providing information about and the progress of the TA was launched Nov. 15 in Australia. Ms. Darby provided information about the basic architecture of the web page.

Ms. Darby presented the preliminary findings of the mobility study, which identifies mobility and migration patterns within GMS and assesses the HIV/AIDS risk and vulnerability of each type of migrant. The study covers international and internal migration, immigration/ emigration, and internal and cross border population groups. One major trend in the population movement in Southeast Asia is that while in 1970s and early 80s, people were moving due to political problems, now the large proportion of movement relates to economic opportunities. Greater political openness is facilitating travel across borders. There has been an increase in the volume of women migrants. Large mobile populations, rise of entertainment/sex establishments and increasing economic prosperity have given rise to several HIV/AIDS "hot spots" in the region. Case studies on mobility in Cambodia and Yunnan were presented. The case studies included migration patterns, sending and receiving areas, typologies of migrant and mobile groups, assessment of their HIV risks, and "hotspots" of mobility and HIV risks.

Discussions

Mr. Indu Bhushan emphasized the importance of the study in the context of the GMS Program. He enjoined participants to give their views on both the processes and products presented under the TA. Mr. Seng Kan (Cambodia) expressed that HIV/AIDS came with the other problems that affected Cambodia, such as drug and human trafficking, and poverty. Mr. Sun Xinhua (PRC) identified business people as another risk group, and suggested their inclusion in the study. In Lao PDR, Mr. Ouam Senchandavong noted that risks are in the areas where infrastructure development takes place, which attract migrants. Dr. Than Tun Oo (Myanmar) identified truck drivers as high risk, and suggested that IEC materials should be tailored to this particular risk group. He noted that website will be useful for the government policy makers and the approach of the TA is on the right track.

Ms. Siree Bunnag (Thailand) stressed the usefulness of the study, but asked for inclusion of Thailand in the study of mobile groups. The presence of extensive studies in Thailand will facilitate the TA team's review, and Thailand intends to extend strong cooperation in HIV/AIDS activities. Dr. Supachai Rerk-Ngarm (Thailand) stressed that effectiveness of the study, especially on the tool kits and regional strategy, will be impaired if Thailand is excluded from the study, being the destination of most migrants. Mr. Bhushan clarified that Thailand is not excluded- he noted the remarkable work done in the past in Thailand. He said the financial constraints limit the areas where field-testing could be done, but with more funds, field testing would be considered in Thailand. Mr. Hoang Viet Khang (Viet Nam) noted that tool kits should also be designed for other groups such as students and youth. Mr. Haugh said that given the many subsets of groups, ADB's role is simply to pave the way, with GMS Governments devoting their resources for priority groups.

Organizations with strong involvement in HIV/AIDS issues in the subregion gave presentations on their organization's programs and activities. Their presentations are as follows:

UNICEF

Ms. Thazin Oo, UNICEF Regional HIV Project Officer, presented an overview of the activities being undertaken by UNICEF in the HIV/AIDS sector in East Asia and the Pacific. UNICEF closely works with UNAIDS and its programs include advocacy for children's rights, communication and social mobilization activities, protection of children from sexual exploitation, interventions for reducing mother to child transmission of HIV, etc. The UNICEF response to HIV/AIDS now shifted from project mode to full integration into programs. For the Mekong subregion, mechanisms for action include basing HIV/AIDS officers in each country office and technical assistance/activity development support. Priority program areas include health and development of young people, school AIDS education, communication, and care and support.

UNDP

Ms. Lee-Nah Hsu, Manager of UNDP Southeast Asia HIV and Development Project, noted the attendant risks of development, such as the faster spread of AIDS. A dam project in Ghana, for instance, was the source of HIV spread in that country. Similarly, dam projects in Lao PDR will make it vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. She cited a number of studies on the links between the mobility issue and HIV/AIDS vulnerabilities of Southeast Asia. One of the key points, Ms. Lee-Nah Hsu emphasized, is to expand the response paradigm, by looking at social, cultural, economic, and other factors that affect mobility. A narrow health sector based response to HIV/AIDS may not be sufficient or effective. She proposed complementing HIV/AIDS efforts by stimulating conditions reducing risk factors- such as for instance reducing the number of days truck drivers are on the road and therefore at risk of infection. She also appealed to GMS governments to implement training and orientation for departing and returning workers (re-integrees) to brief them of behavioral risk-factors for HIV/AIDS.

UNAIDS

Ms. Hsu, also representing UNAIDS, proceeded to discuss the UNAIDS structure for the Mobile Population and HIV Vulnerability Regional Task Force, with membership consisting of the core group (National AIDS Committees), affiliates (research institutions) and observers (convenor drug task force). Strategies include assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the situation in SE Asia, strategic planning for action, policy development, best practice and advocacy, and resource mobilization. Ms. Hsu then described the regional collaboration mechanism.

Field Visit- Kunming Spring Buds School

Ms. Zhang Ai, Vice President of Yunnan Women's Federation (YWF) welcomed everyone to the Girls' Class of Spring Buds, which is YWF's basic project. Since 1994, the program has assisted more than 10,000 girl dropouts from ethnic groups residing in poor mountain areas, to complete primary or middle school education. She enumerated the different financial aid programs under the Spring Flower Bud Project, such as the yearly financial aid allotment (400 RMB per person) and the bridge campaign, matching donors to the needy girls. The aided girls, who study hard and are models of moral behavior, are expected to fill the need for high quality talents needed for social and economic sustainable development of Yunnan province.

Mr. Xiao Shun Kang, Headmaster, similarly welcomed the participants to the school, and stressed the importance of education to counter girls' sexual discrimination. He gave a brief history of Spring Bud classes and noted that the girls are from poor minority groups, and are helped by local governments, circles, and fellow students. The school has been praised for instructive work by local and foreign organizations. He stressed that the spirit of the project, to develop the students' self respect, self confidence and self dependence, will continue with support of the YWF.

On behalf of ADB, Mr. Ed Haugh thanked the Yunnan Women's Federation for graciously hosting the visit by the WGHRD participants. He stressed the compatibility of the goals of the WGHRD and the YWF. He stated that girls education is one of the best investments a country can make. He added that there is much to learn in its project activities, such as outreach programs in rural areas, and drop out prevention activities. He further noted the bright promise many students have shown, as demonstrated by high pass rates in the key subjects, and wished the program continued success.

Day 2

Opening the second day's session, Mr. Haugh gave a summary of the previous day's discussions. He emphasized that preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS requires a multi-sectoral approach. In fact in many instances, health ministries were the least capable of addressing the HIV/AIDS problem. He suggested that WGHRD, with its multi-sectoral make-up, is well-placed to promote this approach. On the field visit, he reiterated the Spring Bud Project's laudable success in promoting girls' education. In contrast to some other education systems, Yunnan Province seemed to be achieving excellent educational outcomes. However, he noted that Kunming Middle School seems to be the beneficiary of substantial funds and this may not be achievable across the entire education system. Mr. Seng Kan (Cambodia) noted the difficulties in providing education to remote ethnic communities, so that Cambodia is studying ways for cost effective service delivery. Daw Tin Nwe (Myanmar) remarked that a similar approach is being undertaken in Myanmar.

Study of the Health and Education Needs of Ethnic Minorities in GMS

Mr. Bhushan then introduced Mr. Myles Elledge, TA team leader (Research Triangle Institute, RTI) who presented the findings from ADB financed RETA: A Study of the Health and Education Needs of Ethnic Minorities in GMS. The highlights are given below.

Introduction to the Project / Integrated Report

Study objectives include: identifying constraints to access to health and education services; identifying good practice examples for overcoming the constraints; and supporting dissemination of findings and recommendations. The study approach conducted mainly through in-country researchers utilizes document and policy review, key informant interviews, and site visits and observation. Outputs include four country reports, good practice case studies, and an integrated report.

The social sector approach provides for a coordinated approach involving education and health programs to reduce poverty. The various constraints ethnic groups face in accessing health and education services were then presented. Among constraints cited were physical, economic, fiscal, legal/policy, lack of understanding, competing systems, low service quality (low relevance), etc. A website on the TA has been operational for the last few months which provides information on the project's progress and outputs.

Cambodia

The government of Cambodia recognizes the ethnic diversity of the nation, and recent political, economic and migration trends have had a major impact on the ethnic minority groups. The northeastern provinces, largely inhabited by ethnic minorities, have a high prevalence of malaria, diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, water and sanitation, nutrition, and drug/alcohol abuse. However, access to health care and quality of services remains a major problem due to low socioeconomic development levels, low literacy, poor facilities and financial constraints. In education, the problems are low enrollment and attendance, low achievement, low demand, language, and lack of teachers and facilities. The major challenges for the country include improving service reach, adopting integrated approach to support ethnic groups in remote areas, adjusted school hours and calendar, recruitment of ethnic persons as providers, and strategic plan for interventions during peak disease season.

Lao PDR

Ethnically, Lao PDR consists of 47 ethnic groups with the Lao as majority in 8 of 18 provinces. The health status of ethnic groups is low in terms of indicators on maternal and child mortality, disease incidence, immunization levels, and nutrition. Factors affecting health status are poverty, education, access to and quality of health services, and language and cultural barriers. On education, ethnic minorities clearly have literacy rates that are well below the national average, and other problems such as late start to primary, slow advance, low primary completion, low secondary participation, and low women participation. Relevant curriculum and responsive policy are needed to address low education achievement. Selected challenges include recruitment, incentives, and training for ethnic minority workers, expansion of service reach, introducing flexibility of curriculum, and clustering of schools for testing.

Thailand

Hill tribes comprise 1.2 percent of the total population of Thailand. A number of northern Provinces have large population of highland people. Problems arise as minorities are viewed as peace/security threats; they are also socially marginalized, and have undefined citizenship status. Despite a general improvement, health conditions in minority areas, compared to the rest of Thailand, are poorer in terms of nutrition, sanitation, disease incidence, and infant and maternal mortality. The health issues for ethnic groups consist of language and cultural barriers, limited access to health services, and location/ administrative boundary problems. While there has been an improvement in education levels, the highlands populations still have lower education levels and low proficiency in Thai. There are also high repetition/drop out rates. Selected challenges for Thailand include recruitment, training, and incentives for EM service providers, enhancement of access/ equalization of quality, registration of EM groups, and consolidation of highland programs.

Viet Nam

With 54 ethnic minority groups comprising 13% of total population, the challenges facing ethnic minorities include poverty (16.7% below poverty line), environmental degradation, and poor infrastructure. Review of the government policies reveals recognition by the state of ethnic group rights, and existence of effective programs to improve EM living conditions. Health conditions of ethnic minority groups remain poor, with high infant/ maternal mortality, low immunization rates, low reproductive health care, poor nutritional status, and high malaria/ diarrhea incidence. As for education, achievement levels are still low, with lower enrollment, high drop out rates, low literacy, and language problems of EM students. Selected challenges for Viet Nam include recruitment of EM service providers, and skills placement, flexible services delivery systems to recognize ethnic diversity, health education at primary, secondary and community levels, and allowances/ scholarships to expand access to higher education.

Regional Recommendations

The TA study included the following recommended actions:

a. Incentives to boost effective demand- including credit or incentives to support use of health services to help overcome economic or geographic constraints, such as Viet Nam's health cards, secondary school scholarships;
b. Recruitment of EM providers- includes affirmative action-like programs to recruit ethnic minority health workers and teachers, and localized service providers;
c. Targeting ethnic minority by for example, adapting education and health campaigns to meet cultural and language characteristics;
d. Expansion of access- such as investment in facilities and support services to reach ethnic minority groups;
e. Institutional support- by encouraging awareness and targeting and over the long term, to mainstream ethnic minority focus in sector programs;
f. Language policies- such as multi- language programming to expand acceptance and impact;
g. Educating the majority- which involves encouraging understanding and appreciation for ethnic and cultural diversity.

Discussions on the reports

Mr. Bhushan cited the importance of the study, as its findings could fine-tune project interventions financed by governments and international agencies including ADB. Some governments are now publishing the study as official report.

Viet Nam. Dr. Nguyen Huu Chau cited the role of education and health efforts in reducing poverty. He noted however, that universalization of primary education has been completed in Viet Nam. He mentioned there are now efforts to improve curriculum and make this more flexible in terms of content, teacher training and schooling. Ms. Che Thuy Nhu cited priority need for family planning education for EM women, immunization, malnutrition, and environmental protection. She suggested the report should emphasize the need for greater focus on community based services and local adaptation of health care technology. For example, given the dispersed nature of habitation, it would be more efficient to promote safe disposable delivery kits rather than hospital based services.

Thailand. Ms. Siree Bunnag cited the current efforts to provide health and education services to hill tribes, such as inclusion of HIV/AIDS education in curriculum. Her view was that granting of citizenship had to be based on certain criteria. She mentioned that it may be misleading to compare percentage of health and education services available to hill tribes, to the average percentage at the national level, because the service available to mainstream population in the remote rural areas is also low. Mr. Boonsong Koovarakul noted that Thailand has satellite distance education now which can solve some service delivery problems. Mr. Suwat Lertsukprasert cited health improvements all over Thailand and current efforts to have IEC materials in the language of EM groups. Dr. Supachai noted that prototype of IEC materials are in Thai language, later modified and translated to enhance the interest of target audiences in different localities. He noted that the success of NGOs in Thailand owes partly to government support.

Dr. Than Tun Oo (Myanmar) noted that Myanmar could learn from findings of the report. He cited the critical need to expand the immunization program, given the situation in remote areas. Dr. Somchanh Xaisida (Lao PDR) cited the equal rights given to all Lao citizens and the past health education initiatives in EM areas. Mr. Ouam Senchanvandong (Lao PDR) mentioned pilot programs for boarding schools, but more funding is needed to expand these. Flexible curriculum for EM is provided by policy, but this is difficult to implement.

NGOs in Social Development

The Doi Tung Development Project

Dr. Riksh Syamananda, Deputy Director-General, the Doi Tung Foundation (Thailand), presented a video on the activities and successes of the Foundation, which is a Royal initiative of the Princess Mother. He presented a number of indicators for the Dong Tung area, which shows an increase in reforested areas and substitution of shifting cultivation for forest and crop farming. He also noted the marked reduction in forest fires from 1989-2000. He cited further the beneficial effects of reforestation on the area's temperatures, humidity, and rainfall. As to the area's population, he cited the marked improvement in education achievement at all levels, from primary to college. Incomes have also increased substantially, and from more diverse sources, such as trade, handicraft, etc. An important activity is combating drug dependence, where the Foundation has made inroads in the survey and treatment of drug addicts in the area.

Mr. Haugh noted that success of Doi Tung highlights the need for a "champion" to promote radical change. He however, questioned the replicability of the scheme, since it seemed to be very well funded but focused on only 10,000 people. How can provinces like Yunnan Province with 42 million people, provide such services? Mr. Bhushan asked whether religious conversion of ethnic minorities is a good thing. Dr. Riksh replied that conversion has prevented persistence of destructive practices/ beliefs.

Forthcoming Activities and Setting Priorities for HRD Cooperation in GMS

Social Dimensions of Economic Corridor Development

Mr. Yan Flint, Director of Mekong Institute, noted the different types of HRD cooperation, such as those made feasible largely by cooperation (drug control training) and those needed to mitigate problems arising from regionalisation (spread of AIDS). The East West Economic Corridor (EWEC) is microcosm of the GMS with all its potentials and problems such as environmental degradation, drug abuse, human trafficking and exploitation, etc. For the WGHRD, the issue is whether resources should be devoted solely to mitigating the negative impacts of regionalisation, or to maximize the advantage from the benefits of regionalism, including the EWEC. He suggested the need to discuss GMS governments' priorities if greater ownership is to be promoted of the forward program. For the latter, appropriate mechanisms may not yet be in place for the dialogue and networking needed for GMS countries to drive the process. He then cited two principal objectives for regional HRD activities, i.e., to develop knowledge and skills required in the corridor, and to facilitate efficient labor movement within the corridor. In looking forward, he encouraged GMS countries to look at the positive aspects of regionalism and corridor development, and rely on their capacities to make the best possible decisions for the future.

Australian Volunteers International (AVI)

Ms. Conny Lenneberg, Senior Manager, AVI, gave an overview of her organization and pointed out various areas where AVI could help in HRD cooperation efforts in the GMS. AVI has particular expertise to work at the grassroots. She cited AVI's role in the Basic Education for Girls project in Lao PDR, and other projects in GMS in terms of design of training programs and making them more responsive locally.

Discussion

Ms. Siree Bunnag (Thailand) recalled the GMS senior officials' emphasis on the economic corridor strategy, so that the WGHRD should prepare for its challenges such as labor training and skills standardization. Mr. Haugh pointed out that the WGHRD had agreed in the second meeting to focus on practical, results oriented work. Developing large HRD schemes or capacity building plans that can not be funded would be a fruitless exercise. However, he suggested that additional activities may be carried out if there is greater ownership and support by the GMS countries themselves.

Yunnan Provincial Narcotics Control Committee (YPNCC)

Mr. Wu Shiyin, Liaison Officer, YPNCC, cited the gains of the committee in control of drug trafficking in terms of seizure of drugs and apprehension of traffickers. He outlined major achievements in drug control efforts and major drug control working policies and measures. Widespread drug abuse has also been effectively curbed through drug prevention works with help of UNDCP and ESCAP. He noted that the committee welcomes cooperation with other GMS countries and international agencies especially given the cross border dimensions of the drug problem.

Mekong River Commission

Mr. Suchat Katima, Program Manager presented the two major projects of MRC, the Basin Development Plan (BDP) and the Water Utilization Programme (WUP). The MRC strategy is to ensure that the Mekong development plans of each country, does not affect the benefits derived by the others from the river and its lakes. He presented the HRD system of MRC, which revolves around an HRD core group and focal points in each GMS country to sustain activities. Since MRC is an inter-governmental agency, HRD policy is a major concern, particularly on gender equality. He cited also the Partnership Arrangement between MRC and ADB, which will advance further cooperation between these agencies in the GMS.

Summary on Progress of Subregional Cooperation in HRD/ Proposed GMS-HRD Work Program and Forthcoming RETAs and Activities

Mr. Edward Haugh recalled that many of projects in the long list of the first WGHRD turned out to be unrealistic. The Bank could not deliver on all the projects. The second WGHRD however came up with pragmatic and results oriented projects, which have achieved substantial progress. He enumerated the various HRD projects completed and ongoing. Proposed new initiatives should allow for the gradual take-over by GMS countries with ADB playing more of a facilitating role. GMS countries may propose and develop new activities, such as labor market issues (i.e., certification of labor standards and promoting skills development centers of excellence). Proposed new projects are as follows:

a. Study on Illegal Drug Production and Trade (to be handled by GMS Unit);
b. HIV/AIDS-

b.1. Support for GMS presence at the 6th International Conference on AIDS in Asia and Pacific (Melbourne, 2001);

b.2 Support for Community Action for AIDS Prevention- with $8 million funding from Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction;

c. Assistance to Rollback Malaria- packaged to fill gaps in WHO/UNICEF programs.

Mr. Haugh proposed a medium term work program which includes completion of RETA on ethnic minorities (2000), completion of HIV/AIDS mobility study project (2001), the two HIV/AIDS activities (2001) and the Rollback Malaria project (2002). For the longer term, there will be work on strengthening higher education institutions in GMS, exploring ways to improve vaccine availability, and follow up to employment promotion and training.

Comments

Ms. Siree Bunnag (Thailand) agreed on new directions presented, since these are aligned with priorities outlined by the GMS Ministers, such as economic corridors. She suggested that project formulation involve the GMS countries to avoid duplication with past efforts, and the drug control project should look into the impact of economic corridors on the problem, and try to focus on the prevention of the spread of drugs along the routes. She suggested that for future meetings, materials be distributed well in advance, and that information on HRD elements be shared among all sector meetings. Mr. Haugh took note of the comments and will relay concerns raised to relevant project officers. Mr. Khang (Viet Nam) called for better coordination between ADB departments, consultants, and GMS government agencies for new projects. Mr. Bhushan explained that for HIV/AIDS, counterpart agency representation to the Steering Committee was hampered by complexities in government structures. Ms. Xiao Liping (PRC) expressed desire for closer working relationship with ADB in future projects. Mr. Haugh said this is possible for the HIV/AIDS and drug eradication projects.

Daw Tin Nwe noted that Myanmar would like to be involved in projects such as the ethnic minorities study. Mr. Flint remarked that Mekong Institute has experience getting people together to design/ formulate projects and ADB could consider adopting this process with the help of Mekong Institute for future projects. Ms. Sirisupa Kulthanan (UNDP) encouraged closer cooperation between ADB and UNDP particularly on common concerns in order to maximize benefits to the countries. Mr. Bhushan replied that ADB is willing to reciprocate this desire of UNDP.

Mr. Bhushan noted however, that one factor hampering involvement of WGHRD in project formulation is the changing membership of the group. He said that in the event representation to meetings by GMS countries vary, there should be focal agencies who should be consistently briefed on projects and activities. Mr. Bengt Juhlin (UNDCP) stressed the need to take drug control on an integrated basis, such as in relation to HIV/AIDS spread. Ms. Siree Bunnag offered Thailand's assistance, in terms of experience, to the project on community action for prevention of HIV/AIDS, since it has done similar work.

Concluding Session

Closing Remarks

In his closing remarks, Mr. Chen Xianyi, thanked all the participants for their contribution to the productive exchange of views on human development. He emphasized that the key is to forge stronger economic cooperation in HRD among GMS countries. He expressed the hope that the GMS countries would continue the process of friendship as a basis for cooperation.

Mr. Haugh thanked the Yunnan Provincial Government for the excellent arrangements. He also thanked the representatives from the GMS countries, international organizations and consulting teams for their active participation and for expressing their views and suggestions. He invited everyone to the ADB farewell dinner at the Rotunda Ballroom later in the evening.

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